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03/04/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Japanese Crisis Prompts Questions over Nuclear Safety in Latin America
Reverberations from the 11 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the damage they caused to the Fukushima nuclear power station have spread across the Pacific to Latin America, where five countries are either expanding their nuclear power programmes or have recently been considering developing them.
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26/03/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Moody's Downgrades 30 Spanish Banks
Moody's has downgraded its debt ratings for 30 Spanish banks by one or more notches, after downgrading its sovereign credit rating due to concerns that the cost of the recapitalisation of the Spanish banking sector could be considerably higher than official estimates.
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20/03/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
UK Budget Preview
Having set out its plans for fiscal consolidation in its June 2010 emergency budget and October 2010 Spending Review, the coalition government is positioning its 23 March budget as "going for growth." With no money available, this must focus on creating a more friendly business environment through cutting red tape and reducing regulations.
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26/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Yemeni President Seeks to Shore Up Tribal Support
After more than 10 days of violent clashes across Yemen, which left as many as 12 anti-government protesters dead, President Ali Abdullah Saleh once again called for dialogue in a rare press conference with international media on 21 February.
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18/02/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
German Q4 Growth Dampened by Construction Slump
"Flash" data show that underlying German economic growth remained robust during the fourth quarter of 2010 despite a temporary dampening influence from construction investment.
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18/02/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Taiwan Ends 2010 with Fastest GDP Growth in 24 Years
Taiwan's economy staged a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2010, higher than the preliminary figure, as all drivers continued to steam ahead.
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15/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Egypt Prepares for New Era After Ouster of President Mubarak
Egypt's supreme council of the armed forces, composed of the nation’s top commanders, has assumed control after embattled president Hosni Mubarak stepped down on Friday (11 February), ending 29 years of autocratic rule.
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12/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Egypt - UPDATED: Embattled Egyptian President Bows to Pressure and Hands Power to Military
In the latest dramatic twist in Egypt’s protracted political drama, President Hosni Mubarak finally announced his resignation today and the transfer of power to the military.
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10/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Tensions High at Thai-Cambodia Border After Four Days of Fighting
Four days of consecutive fighting between Thai and Cambodian border forces between 4 and 7 February is the latest battle in a long-running bitter border dispute between the neighbours; while the prospects for full-scale armed conflict remain low, the intensity of the fighting and heated nationalist rhetoric have raised fears the spat could escalate.
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10/02/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Q4 Growth Surges to Six-Year High in Indonesia
Indonesia's economy expanded by 6.9% year-on-year during the final quarter of 2010, marking a six-year high and bringing the annual average growth to a respectable 6.1%.
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07/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Egypt - Degree of Normalcy Returns to Egypt But New Threat Emerges As Political Islamists Seek to Capitalise on Mass Protests
Egypt's largest opposition movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, is back in the fore, jostling for position ahead of key talks aimed at shaping a new future for the protest-wracked nation.
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03/02/2011 | Frente Externo
New Prime Minister Appointed, Cabinet Reshuffled As Threat of New Protests Grows in Jordan
The dismissal and replacement of the Jordanian government yesterday has increased pressure on King Abdullah and his political allies to deliver more far-reaching political and economic reforms in the hope of staving off further popular protest.
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01/02/2011 | Frente Externo
Egypt - Cabinet Reshuffle Implemented in Egypt, But Protests Continue
The emergency reshuffle has left the cabinet line-up largely unchanged and failed to appease the tens of thousands of protesters calling for the president to step down.
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29/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Davos WEF 2011 Briefing: Three Emerging Themes
28 Jan 11: IHS Chief Economist Nariman Behravesh reports that three major themes seem to be emerging from the Davos World Economic Forum.
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26/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Davos WEF 2011 Briefing: Anxieties on the Rise
Nariman Behravesh's insights from the Davos World Economic Forum indicate that as jitters about a double dip are subsiding, anxieties about "grand experiments" and "end games" are on the rise.
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26/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Davos WEF 2011 Briefing: Mood More Upbeat Than a Year Ago, But Worries Abound
Nariman Behravesh's insights from the Davos World Economic Forum indicate that despite increased optimism amongst delegates, there are still numerous concerns.
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26/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Protesters Come Out in Force to Call for Political Change in Egypt
Egypt has been put on high alert following one of the biggest anti-government protests for three decades.
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25/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Election 2011: Irish Government Nears Collapse Following Green Party's Exit
It is highly likely that a general election will be brought forward in Ireland after the Green Party pulled out of the governing coalition and Prime Minister Brian Cowen quit as Fianna Fáil leader over the weekend (22–23 January).
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22/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Tunisian Revolt Sends Shockwaves Across Nervous Region
The ouster of Tunisia's long-term ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali—the first overthrow of an Arab leader by popular revolt in recent history—has raised nerves in an already jittery region.
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20/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Chinese State Visit to U.S. Highlights Shifting Bilateral Dynamics
China's President Hu Jintao arrived in the U.S. capital yesterday for a full state visit, providing an opportunity to gauge the fast-evolving relationship between the two economic and geopolitical giants.
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20/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
China Records Double-Digit Growth for 2010 As it Speeds Into Post-Crisis Era
Although China has secured its place as the world's second largest economy in 2010 with solid double-digit growth, inflationary concerns remain ever-present, despite the slight pull-back in December's CPI.
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18/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Iraqi Kurdistan Oil Exports to Resume in February As Breakthrough Is Reported
After a high-level meeting between Iraqi central government and Kurdistan Regional Government officials, an agreement resolving the oil impasse is understood to have been reached, with oil exports now reported to resume from Iraqi Kurdistan on 1 February.
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18/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
Industry Pulls Ukrainian Economy Out of Recession in 2010
Ukraine's economy benefited from the global rebound, but a full-fledged recovery has yet to emerge; despite Ukraine's many weaknesses, the current outlook gives reason for cautious optimism.
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17/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
BP, Rosneft Announce Historic Share-Swap Deal, Joint Arctic Exploration Alliance
In a landmark agreement, U.K. supermajor BP and Russian state-run oil major Rosneft have agreed to form a strategic alliance that involves a share swap and includes a plan to jointly explore and develop an area in the Russian Arctic covering 125,000 sq. km.
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17/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Tunisian President Flees ´Revolution´, Chaos and Power Struggles Ensue
After 23 years of iron-fist rule, Tunisia's former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled the country on 14 January, leaving Tunisia to grapple with a dangerous power vacuum.
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15/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Mother Nature Takes Cruel Swipe At Australia's Economy
Flooding in Queensland has wreaked havoc on the country's infrastructure and key industries, thus ruling out an upgrade to the country's growth forecast for 2011.
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14/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Lebanese Government Collapses over Hariri Indictments
Hizbollah and its March 8 alliance partners in Amal and the Free Patriotic Movement resigned from the Lebanese unity government yesterday, precipitating another political crisis in the country.
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12/01/2011 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
ETA - Spanish Government Remains Sceptical over Latest Basque Separatist Ceasefire Declaration
Basque separatist group ETA has issued yet another call for a permanent ceasefire, but the Spanish government has once again rejected the declaration, insisting that it will continue with its highly successful clampdown in operation since 2008.
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12/01/2011 | Economia y Finanzas
First Official German GDP Estimate for 2010 Confirms Sharp Rebound
German real GDP grew 3.6% in 2010, rebounding sharply after the record contraction during 2009.
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10/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Africa - South Sudan Moves Closer to Independence As Referendum Gets Under Way
Tens of thousands of southern Sudanese have continued to flock to polling stations up and down the country for a second day today in a vote that could lead to the creation of the world’s newest state.
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06/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Brazil's First Female President Is Sworn In
Dilma Rousseff was sworn in as Brazilian president on 1 January promising to honour the legacy of her former mentor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who stepped down after eight years in power.
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06/01/2011 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
New Brazilian President Faces Daunting Security Challenges
Following Dilma Rousseff's historic inauguration as president on 1 January, Brazil's new government will face tough security challenges as it prepares to host the 2014 football World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
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01/01/2011 | Frente Externo
Belgium's 2010 EU Presidency Concludes with Modest Successes, Despite Political Turmoil at Home
The Belgian government has reached the end of its six month EU presidency, which can be considered a relative success in view of the recent crises in the Eurozone, as well as the ongoing stalemate in Belgian parliamentary politics.
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31/12/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
French Q3 GDP Growth Revised Down on Weaker Consumer and Investment Spending
France's economy grew for the sixth consecutive quarter during the third quarter of 2010, although at a slightly more moderate pace than previously estimated.
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31/12/2010 | Frente Externo
Protests Continue in Bolivia After End of Fuel Subsidies
Social unrest continues in Bolivia after the controversial end brought to fuel subsidies on 26 December.
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25/12/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Fitch Downgrades Portuguese Sovereign Rating to A+
Fitch downgraded Portugal's rating by one notch, citing concerns about the economy and the current financial environment.
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25/12/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Key U.S. Data Releases and Events
Economic indicators next week will be relatively sparse, so markets will not have much to bite into until the fourth-quarter earnings season kicks off in the new year.
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25/12/2010 | Frente Externo
U.S. President Boosted by Last-Gasp Victories in Congress
The "lame duck" session of Congress is proving anything but, with a succession of victories—albeit with compromises along the way—for President Barack Obama and the Democratic leadership.
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18/12/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
EU Leaders Agree Permanent Bailout Mechanism
European Union leaders have agreed to a permanent bailout facility, although divisions remain between member states over possible solutions to avert future potential crises in the Eurozone.
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14/12/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Top Leadership Sets Out Economic Agenda for 2011
China's central leadership has set out the country's economic agenda for next year at the just concluded annual economic conference, with price stability and economic structure adjustment sitting on top of the agenda.
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10/12/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Divided Kosovo Prepares for First Poll Since Independence
Kosovo is due to hold a snap general election this weekend, but with traditional voting patterns engrained it is unlikely that new political movements will be given dominance despite the traditional parties failing to present programmes to address the country's woes, which range from economic underdevelopment to high-level corruption.
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26/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Mexican Economy Slows Down in Q3
The expected slowdown of the Mexican economy materialised in the third quarter of 2010 as GDP expanded only 0.7%, down from a revised 2.3% in the second quarter, with deceleration of industrial production in the United States the main driver.
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26/11/2010 | Frente Externo
Ireland's Four-Year Austerity Plan Hits Households
Ireland's latest fiscal consolidation plan does little to help households and increases the country's reliance on an export-led recovery, raising the risk of a setback should the economic revival in core Europe and the encouraging rebound in the United Kingdom falter. As a result, IHS Global Insight has downgraded Ireland's Economic Risk Rating from 2.75 to 3.00.
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20/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Venezuelan Economy Stalls in Q3
Despite positive results in the manufacturing and utilities sectors, Venezuela's economy posted a small contraction in the third quarter of 2010.
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17/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Japan's Q3 Growth Unexpectedly Strong, But Unlikely to Last
Japan posted a GDP growth rate of 3.9% in the third quarter, mainly due to a surge in private consumption, which in turn reflected the fact that tax incentives would soon disappear and that tobacco taxes were about to rise.
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17/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Weak Domestic Spending Brings Spanish Economic Recovery to a Halt in Q3
After stagnating in the third quarter, the Spanish economy continued to struggle at the start of the fourth quarter, signalled by deteriorating consumer confidence, contracting service-sector activity and tumbling new car sales.
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17/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
IMF and EU Officials Sent to Ireland to Undertake ¨Due Diligence¨ Before Any Aid Decision
The European Union-International Monetary Fund task force is going through the Irish books to ascertain how much more firepower Ireland needs to deal with its banking problems; the Irish central bank has suggested that a deal worth "several tens of billions of euro" now seems likely.
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15/11/2010 | Frente Externo
Myanmar's Opposition Leader Released from House Arrest
Myanmar's military regime released opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest on Saturday (13 November); but although this is positive news and could see efforts on the part of opposition forces to re-unite, it does not signal a significant shift in Myanmar's politics.
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13/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Opel Announces Ampera Pricing in Europe to Start at 42,900 Euro
The Opel Ampera faces a tough battle in the European market as a result of its high sticker price, especially when put up against its most efficient conventionally powered rivals.
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13/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone Q3 GDP Growth More Than Halves to 0.4% Q/Q
Eurozone GDP growth more than halved to 0.4% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) in the third quarter from 1.0% q/q in the second, but the year-on-year growth rate was stable at 1.9%; growth was again led by Germany, where GDP climbed 0.7% q/q, but elsewhere the performance was mixed.
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12/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Annual Report Delivers Mixed Message to EU Hopefuls
Montenegro is the clear winner of the latest round of European Union (EU) progress reports as it has been declared ready to start accession negotiations; however, with Turkey and Former Yugoslav Republic Macedonia struggling to progress and support for membership waning in Iceland, the future timetable of EU enlargement remains wide open.
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12/11/2010 | Frente Externo
Iraqi Factions Reach Power-Sharing Agreement, Breaking Eight-Month Deadlock
Narrowly avoiding a serious political crisis, Iraq's political factions have agreed to a deal that paves the way for a unity government and raises some hopes for an improvement in the operational uncertainty for foreign investors and oil companies in the country.
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05/11/2010 | Frente Externo
Greece's Political Stability Rests on Government's Performance in Local Polls
Greeks go to the polls this Sunday to cast their votes in municipal elections which are being cast as a public referendum for the left-leaning government; weak support for the government could trigger an early parliamentary election, causing political instability as well as undermining the country's long-term economic recovery.
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04/11/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Republican Gains in U.S. Mid-Terms Prompt Strategic Rethink on All Sides
Largely in line with predictions, the Republicans achieved a huge swing in the House of Representatives, but failed to secure the Senate; the results are a heavy blow to President Barack Obama and his legislative agenda, but the failure of some Tea Party-backed candidates suggests the Republican Party also has its strategic work cut out ahead of 2012.
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04/11/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Federal Reserve Pushes Button on Quantitative Easing
At its meeting on 2–3 November, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) began a process of quantitative easing, launching a US$600-billion eight-month programme of purchases of long-term securities.
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31/10/2010 | Frente Externo
Former President's Death Leaves Political Vacuum in Argentina
Argentina's former president Néstor Kirchner (2003–07), husband of incumbent president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and an expected candidate in next year's presidential elections, died yesterday, news of which has shaken the country's political establishment.
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09/10/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Kyrgyzstan Prepares for First Post-Revolution Parliamentary Vote
Following a bloody popular uprising in April and days of lethal ethnic clashes in June, Kyrgyzstan is gearing up for a parliamentary election on 10 October to build the first parliamentary democracy in former Soviet Central Asia.
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02/10/2010 | Frente Externo
Police Uprising Pitches Ecuador Into Crisis
Severe police unrest in Ecuador did not spiral into a coup d'état, but one of the region's most unstable countries is heading for tumultuous times.
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02/10/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentine Economy Jumps 11.8% in Q2
Record expansion was seen in the second quarter; good performance was observed across all sectors, especially agriculture.
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17/09/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
For First Time in Six Years, Bank of Japan Intervenes to Weaken the Yen
The Bank of Japan has intervened in foreign-exchange markets, selling yen and buying dollars; its purpose was to halt the recent appreciation of the yen—and perhaps weaken the yen—thus keeping Japanese exports more competitive in global markets.
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10/09/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Recovery in Russian Manufacturing, Transport and Trade Boosts GDP in Q2
Detailed data on developments in Russian GDP in the second quarter confirmed the flash estimate of 5.2% year-on-year growth; on the sector-of-origin side, manufacturing, transport and trade led the recovery, sectors that were particularly hard hit by the recession in 2008-09.
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10/09/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Recovery in Russian Manufacturing, Transport and Trade Boosts GDP in Q2
Detailed data on developments in Russian GDP in the second quarter confirmed the flash estimate of 5.2% year-on-year growth; on the sector-of-origin side, manufacturing, transport and trade led the recovery, sectors that were particularly hard hit by the recession in 2008-09.
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10/07/2010 | Frente Externo
Greek Parliament Approves Pension System Overhaul Despite Protests
Greek legislators yesterday approved a major overhaul of the pension system, increasing the retirement age and cutting pension benefits; the vote also posed a test of the government's unity and demonstrated Greece's resolve to tackle the economic crisis.
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10/07/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Investigators Claim Al-Qaida Directed Terrorist Plots in U.S., Norway, and U.K.
The plot is thickening around last year's thwarted attempt to bomb the New York subway system; charges announced yesterday in the United States and arrests today in Norway and the United Kingdom point to concerted international efforts by al-Qaida leaders to direct attacks.
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08/04/2010 | Frente Externo
New Cabinet Unveiled as Nigeria's Acting President Shores Up Position
Acting president Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swore in his new cabinet, placing himself more firmly at the centre of the Nigerian political order and marginalising ailing president Umaru Yar'Adua's "cabal".
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05/04/2010 | Frente Externo
Venezuela and Russia Bolster Energy Ties
On Friday (2 April) Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin made his first ever trip to Venezuela, securing bilateral economic and political ties.
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18/03/2010 | Frente Externo
Africa - Acting President Dissolves Cabinet in Nigeria
Goodluck Jonathan has dissolved Nigeria's 42-member cabinet, leaving questions as to what shape the new line-up will take.
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17/03/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
President Returns to Mexican Border Town After Killing of U.S. Consulate Employee
The killing of a U.S. citizen working for the consulate in Ciudad Juárez and of a further two individuals linked to the consulate could prove another point of inflection in the Mexican government’s fight against drug-trafficking.
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16/03/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Niger Delta Militant Group Back on the Offensive as Bomb Blast Kills One
The notorious Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has sought to gain as much media exposure as possible by orchestrating two car-bomb attacks outside the Delta State Government House in Warri, causing unconfirmed injuries and one reported death.
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09/03/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Fiscal Expansion to Continue But with a Shift in Focus (Budget 2010)
The draft 2010 budget report of the Chinese government points to continued counter-cyclical fiscal expansion this year, although there is a clear shift of policy focus from short-term growth to long-term structural adjustment as well as welfare improvement.
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09/03/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Africa - Security Forces Deployed to Central Nigerian City Following Interreligious Massacres
Relative calm has been restored to villages to the south of Jos after armed men went on the rampage over the weekend, killing scores of people and destroying homes and businesses.
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05/03/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone Q4 GDP Grows Just 0.1% Q/Q as Domestic Demand Contracts
Eurostat has confirmed that Eurozone GDP edged up just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) in the fourth quarter of 2009, disappointingly down from growth of 0.4% q/q in the third quarter.
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05/03/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010 - Landmark Polls to Test Iraq's Democracy and Stability
Iraq's upcoming elections will challenge the several-year political and security trend which has been comparatively positive.
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04/03/2010 | Frente Externo
Chilean Trade and the Earthquake
Impacts will vary by commodity.The earthquake and related tsunami in Chile will have an impact on the country's trade, but disruptions to most Chilean exports likely will be temporary. The duration and significance of trade impacts will vary by the type of commodity and production and import locations within the country.
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03/03/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Budget 2010/11: Fiscal Consolidation Gets Under Way as Indian Economy Rebounds
India's government has begun to roll back spending and has provided a roadmap towards fiscal discipline.
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01/03/2010 | Frente Externo
Massive Earthquake Hits Chile, Death Toll Rises Above 700
Chile was hit by a massive earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale two days ago; at the time of writing the death toll has risen to 711 and two million more have been affected, and the damage caused has led to a downgrade in IHS Global Insight's Operational Risk Rating from 2.25 to 2.50.
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26/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Ukraine's New President Sworn In But Stability Remains Elusive
Viktor Yanukovych, the winner of the 7 February presidential election, was sworn in today as the fourth president of independent Ukraine despite the continued refusal of the losing candidate, current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, to admit defeat.
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26/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. GDP Revised Up for Q4 But Recession Deeper than Previously Reported
U.K. GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 has been revised up to 0.3% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) from the previously reported 0.1% q/q; downward revisions have been made to the back data, however, meaning that the recession was deeper than earlier stated.
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24/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Government-Army Power Struggle Escalates in Turkey with Mass Arrests
The arrest of an unprecedented number of Turkish military staff has raised concerns about the government's willingness to peacefully coexist with other branches of the state; the army—already humiliated by previous arrests in relation to coups it denied plotting—is likely to retaliate if the government continues to challenge it so openly in public, presumably shortly before the 2011 parliamentary election.
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23/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Taiwan Emerges from Recession with Surprisingly Strong Growth in Q4
Taiwan's economy resumed growth in the fourth quarter of 2009, following five consecutive quarters of contraction—a broad-based pick-up in activities helped to drive the stronger-than-expected result.
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22/02/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Dutch Government Collapses over Afghan Mission
The Dutch government has collapsed after the two largest coalition parties—the Christian Democratic Appeal and the Labour Party—failed to reach agreement on the extension of the Netherlands' military mission in Afghanistan.
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20/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Budget 2010: Finance Minister Reaffirms Policy Cornerstones in South Africa
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has committed to prioritise spending on infrastructure and employment creation, while keeping the fiscal shortfall in check.
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20/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Military Coup Removes President and Dissolves Government in Niger
The political crisis in Niger has been pushed to critical new heights with the capture of President Mamadou Tandja and the apparent dissolution of all state institutions.
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17/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
How Do the Truckload Motor Carriers Determine Their Rates/Prices?
In the summer of 2008, crude oil prices approached $150 per barrel, raising both the price at the pump for gasoline and the price for a gallon of diesel dramatically. Thus, as the price of crude oil increases, so do the rates for moving goods from one location to another.
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17/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Spain Fails to Leave Recession in Q4
A further fall in Spanish GDP in the fourth quarter was expected and supports IHS Global Insight's view that the economy continues to endure tough recessionary conditions.
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16/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Japan Posts Surprisingly Strong Growth in Q4
Japan's GDP grew at a 4.6% annual rate in the fourth quarter of last year; this was an extremely good performance for a country that has deflation and is considered too dependent on exports and lacking in domestic demand.
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15/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010 - Opposition Leader Declared Victor in Ukraine, PM Refuses to Concede
Ukraine's prime minister is refusing to acknowledge that her narrow defeat in the 7 February presidential election remains a defeat and has vowed to contest the result through the courts system; meaning the country's ongoing political instability is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
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12/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone GDP Growth Stutters in Q4 as Germany Stagnates and Italy Contracts Anew
Eurozone GDP edged up just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to a preliminary estimate from Eurostat; although it marked a second successive quarter of expansion, this was disappointingly down from growth of 0.4% q/q in the third quarter—evidently the Eurozone is finding it hard to develop a sustainable recovery amid still very challenging conditions.
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11/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Iran Braces for Unrest on 31st Anniversary of Islamic Revolution
Thirty-one years ago an amalgam of political forces removed Iran’s Shah from power; today the Islamic Revolution is celebrating three decades in charge and faces the most resilient opposition movement it has encountered to date.
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10/02/2010 | En Profundidad
Further Austerity Measures Announced in Greece, Public Servants Launch Nationwide Strike
Yesterday, Greek finance minister George Papaconstantinou unveiled the government's plans to freeze public sector wages, raise taxes, and increase the retirement age in order to reduce the fiscal deficit; the proposals have irked unions, which have today staged a nationwide strike.
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09/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Future of Eurozone Questioned as Greek Woes Deepen and Spread
Greece's high budget deficit and debt levels have fuelled concerns about the country's creditworthiness; these concerns have spread to other countries—notably Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Italy—and have even led to some speculation that one or more country could end up leaving the Eurozone.
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08/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Opposition Candidate Leads Ukrainian Exit Polls with Narrow Margin
The exit polls for the second round of Ukraine's presidential election have given opposition candidate Viktor Yanukovych of the Party of Regions a 5% lead; the narrow gap between the two run-off candidates is likely to prompt the other candidate, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, to dispute the outcome of the election to the detriment of the country's economic and political stability.
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05/02/2010 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Candidate Calls for New Revolution on Eve of Ukraine Poll
On Sunday Ukrainians vote in a second round of a protracted presidential election which will mark the end of the Orange Revolution but is unlikely to end the domestic political instability as both candidates have already declared their intention to dispute the poll results, which are likely to be very close.
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04/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. Opposition Outlines Eight-Point Plan for Economic Recovery Ahead of Mid-Year Election
The main U.K. opposition party has attempted to regain public confidence by outlining its vision for economic recovery, but the lack of detail on the policy initiatives has left many wondering what it all means.
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04/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Uzbek President Reports Strong 2009 Economic Performance
In 2009, the Uzbek GDP reportedly grew 8.1% in spite of the global economic malaise, based largely on surging consumer activity and strong industrial expansion.
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04/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
EU Backs Greek Fiscal Plan, But Says More Needs to Be Done
As expected, the European Commission has backed Greece's Stability and Growth Programme, although it has also issued a series of recommendations that need to be met.
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02/02/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Russia's 2009 GDP Data Paint Grim Picture
Russia's statistical agency published an initial estimate of developments in GDP in 2009; the 7.9% year-on-year downturn was led by a collapse in capital formation and a painful slide in household consumption.
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01/02/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
China Hits Back Following U.S.-Taiwan Arms Sale Announcement
There has been a new spike in Sino-American tensions, with China announcing retaliatory measures in response to controversial U.S.-Taiwan arms sales.
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31/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Policy Meeting is U.K. Economic Main Event for the Week Commencing 1 February
Attention will be firmly focused on the Bank of England's February policy meeting amid considerable uncertainty as to whether or not the quantitative easing program will be extended. Meanwhile, forthcoming data and surveys will give an early indication as to whether recovery is gaining momentum, or even continuing.
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31/01/2010 | En Parrilla
London Conference Agrees Future Course for Afghanistan
The crucial 70-nation Afghanistan conference held in London yesterday has, as expected, facilitated agreement on how to move forward in Afghanistan.
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22/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
President Announces New Restrictions on U.S. Banking Sector
Seeking to regain the initiative after several heavy political setbacks, U.S. president Barack Obama yesterday proposed significant new curbs on the activities of banks to prevent future financial crises.
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21/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Chinese Economy Rides Out of Global Financial Storm with 8.7% Growth in 2009
The Chinese economy rode out of the most severe downturn in more than a decade with 8.7% year-on-year GDP growth in 2009, on the back of aggressive fiscal stimuli and an ultra-easy monetary policy.
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20/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Republican Senate Victory Throws U.S. Administration's Plans Into Turmoil
Little more than a year after their historic victories, the Democrats are finding the political pendulum is swinging back against them; the surprise victory of Republican Scott Brown in the race for a vacant Senate seat means the Democrats no longer have enough votes in that chamber to go it alone on priorities such as healthcare reform.
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19/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Desperation Fuels Violence in Haiti, Questions Voiced over U.S. Role
Delays in distributing aid and providing security fuelled looting and violence in earthquake-shattered Haiti; the United States and other governments are now mobilising resources on a massive scale, but their co-ordination and longer-term plans are under scrutiny.
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19/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. Consumer Price Inflation Accelerates Faster than Expected to Nine-Month High in December
Annual consumer price inflation surged to 2.9% in December from 1.9% in November and a five-year low of 1.1% in September, primarily due to unfavourable base effects.
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15/01/2010 | Frente Externo
U.S. Promises Aid Package for Devastated Haiti as Security Risks Escalate
In light of the latest developments in quake-stricken Haiti, IHS Global Insight is downgrading the country's Security Risk Rating from 4.00 to 4.25.
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14/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Court Bestows Executive Powers on Nigeria's Vice-President
The Federal High Court has ruled that Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan is to assume executive powers during President Umaru Yar'Adua's health-related absence from Nigeria, but there will be no formal transfer of power.
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13/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Massive Earthquake Hits Haiti, Alarm Raised in Cuba and Dominican Republic
Thousands are feared dead after yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti, the strongest to hit the country in 200 years.
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12/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Personal Crisis Threatens to Destabilise Northern Ireland Power-Sharing Arrangement
Personal and financial scandal has prompted Northern Irish first minister Peter Robinson to take a six-week sabbatical, which is likely to further delay the devolution of policing and justice powers.
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11/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Row over Central Bank Foreign Currency Reserves Comes to a Head in Argentina
Argentina is edging towards a major conflict of powers, torpedoing recent efforts to bolster confidence in economic policy making and underlying institutions.
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08/01/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
U.S. President Details Airline Plot Intelligence Failings, Security Strategy
U.S. president Barack Obama has made no bones about the intelligence system gaps exposed by the failed airliner bombing on 25 December, and yesterday he described a wide-ranging drive to address these.
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07/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Iceland Prepares for Referendum as President Refuses to Sign Compensation Deal with U.K., Netherlands
Iceland's president has taken action to facilitate a national referendum on the controversial compensation deal agreed with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, allowing Icelanders to exercise their democratic right to decide national economic policy; however, the action could have substantial repercussions for the rehabilitation of the island's decimated financial sector, and in the wider international community.
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07/01/2010 | Economia y Finanzas
Row over Central Bank Funds Triggers Political Crisis in Argentina
Argentina is again sending out the wrong signals as a row over the use of central bank reserves to serve debt in 2010 has pitted the government against the monetary authorities.
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05/01/2010 | Frente Externo
Curtain Falls on Efficient Swedish EU Presidency
Following a rather turbulent leadership by the Czech Republic, Sweden's six months at the helm of the European Union were marked by coolness and efficiency, despite institutional innovation and turmoil.
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04/01/2010 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Failed Airline Bombing Heralds Security Shake-Up, Global Focus on Yemen
The attempted bombing of a flight bound for Detroit in the United States on 25 December has dominated global headlines and prompted world leaders to scrutinise unstable Yemen and the growing menace posed by al-Qaida elements based there.
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31/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Uzbek President Solidifies Power by Orchestrating Third Parliamentary Poll
Uzbekistan’s president Islam Karimov has orchestrated the third parliamentary election since independence from the USSR in 1991, allowing only four pro-presidential parties to compete, while banning the opposition.
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31/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
World's Third Largest Free-Trade Zone Takes Full Effect Between ASEAN and China
A free-trade agreement between China and 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will come into force on 1 January 2010, liberalising trade and investment in an economic zone covering 1.9 billion people.
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30/12/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Nigerian National Charged with Attempted Suicide Bomb Attack Aboard U.S. Plane
A Nigerian national has been charged with attempting to blow up a U.S. airplane on Christmas Day, with al-Qaida claiming responsibility for the failed attack.
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24/12/2009 | Frente Externo
New Romanian Government Approved, Easing Political Deadlock
On 22 December the Romanian parliament gave a vote of confidence to a new 15-member cabinet led by Prime Minister Emil Boc, raising hopes that the paralysing three-month political stalemate is finally over.
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23/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Eritrea Faces UN Sanctions over Somali Involvement and Djibouti Border Row
The UN Security Council is expected to impose selected sanctions against Eritrea later today for its alleged backing of anti-government insurgents in Somalia and its alleged refusal to co-operate with the world body over its minor border dispute with neighbouring Djibouti.
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22/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Danish Economy Emerges from Recession in Q3 But GDP Still Down 5.2% Y/Y
Denmark's economy remains very fragile, despite a quarterly expansion of overall GDP in the third quarter of 2009.
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21/12/2009 | Frente Externo
International Community Cautiously Optimistic over New Cabinet Line-Up in Afghanistan
Afghan president Hamid Karzai on Saturday (19 December) presented the cabinet line-up for 23 out of a total of 25 portfolios to parliament, sparking cautious optimism on the part of the international community, and a one-notch upgrade of IHS Global Insight's political risk rating for the country.
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18/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Ireland Emerges from Recession in Q3 But Economy Still Very Weak
Irish real GDP rose moderately between the second and third quarters of 2009, but was still 7.4% lower than a year ago.
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17/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Supreme Court's Rescinding of Graft Amnesty Threatens Political Turmoil in Pakistan
Pakistan's Supreme Court has declared as unconstitutional an amnesty that protected leading politicians including the president from graft charges, probably resulting in political turmoil although the effects on the country's fight against extremism are overstated.
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16/12/2009 | Transparencia
Final Report in Corruption Probe Clears Brazilian State Oil Company and Regulator
The congressional commission set up in the Senate to investigate the activities of the state oil company, Petrobras, has produced its final report absolving Petrobras and the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) of the allegations made against them.
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15/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Greek PM Unveils Further Fiscal Measures Aimed at Calming Markets
Greek prime minister George Papandreou yesterday announced a number of new measures to address the country's fiscal problems, but they may not be enough to calm the markets, given the lack of detail.
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15/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Greek PM Unveils Further Fiscal Measures Aimed at Calming Markets
Greek prime minister George Papandreou yesterday announced a number of new measures to address the country's fiscal problems, but they may not be enough to calm the markets, given the lack of detail.
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14/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Constitutional Court Ban of Pro-Kurdish Party Plunges Turkey into Political Turmoil
Last Friday (11 December) the Turkish Constitutional Court opted for the worst option—political repression—to resolve the government's long-standing conflict with its 12-million-strong Kurdish minority; the move instantly erupted into violent Kurdish demonstrations across Turkey, tarnishing the country's international image and its attempts to join the European Union.
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14/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Constitutional Court Ban of Pro-Kurdish Party Plunges Turkey into Political Turmoil
Last Friday (11 December) the Turkish Constitutional Court opted for the worst option—political repression—to resolve the government's long-standing conflict with its 12-million-strong Kurdish minority; the move instantly erupted into violent Kurdish demonstrations across Turkey, tarnishing the country's international image and its attempts to join the European Union.
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13/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Growth Gathers Force in November with Big Upswing in Exports and Prices
The Chinese economy staged another major upturn in November, as industrial output growth accelerated to a record high in more than two years, with a sharp upswing in exports and prices.
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13/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Growth Gathers Force in November with Big Upswing in Exports and Prices
The Chinese economy staged another major upturn in November, as industrial output growth accelerated to a record high in more than two years, with a sharp upswing in exports and prices.
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11/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Spain Unveils EU Presidency Priorities, Focuses on Economic Recovery and Foreign Policy
Spain has established ambitious goals for its forthcoming presidency of the European Union (EU), but the most striking feature of its six-month tenure is likely to be its relationship with the newly established EU president and high representative for foreign affairs and security.
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11/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Spain Unveils EU Presidency Priorities, Focuses on Economic Recovery and Foreign Policy
Spain has established ambitious goals for its forthcoming presidency of the European Union (EU), but the most striking feature of its six-month tenure is likely to be its relationship with the newly established EU president and high representative for foreign affairs and security.
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10/12/2009 | Medio Ambiente
Countdown to Copenhagen: Controversial Draft Agreement Widens National Wealth Divide
The Summit in Copenhagen has been marked by the leaking of a controversial agreement drafted by the host country, Denmark, and some other leading developing states that has triggered concerns among poorer nations that the rich are aiming to impose their terms on the poor, in breach of the spirit of the Summit.
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10/12/2009 | Medio Ambiente
Countdown to Copenhagen: Controversial Draft Agreement Widens National Wealth Divide
The Summit in Copenhagen has been marked by the leaking of a controversial agreement drafted by the host country, Denmark, and some other leading developing states that has triggered concerns among poorer nations that the rich are aiming to impose their terms on the poor, in breach of the spirit of the Summit.
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08/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Iraqi Parliament Passes Compromise Electoral Law After Dangerously Long Delay
Iraq's divided parliament yesterday voted through a third version of a long-stalled election law; although the compromise breaks a dangerous impasse, the polls will be postponed from their original 16 January date.
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08/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Key Economic Conference Concludes with Reaffirmation of Expansive Policy Stance in 2010
China's top leadership reaffirmed at the annual Central Economic Work Conference today that the Chinese government will stick to a proactive fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy into next year, and will push for continued "transformation" of the country's economic growth model towards one driven by domestic consumption.
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08/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2010: Iraqi Parliament Passes Compromise Electoral Law After Dangerously Long Delay
Iraq's divided parliament yesterday voted through a third version of a long-stalled election law; although the compromise breaks a dangerous impasse, the polls will be postponed from their original 16 January date.
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08/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's Key Economic Conference Concludes with Reaffirmation of Expansive Policy Stance in 2010
China's top leadership reaffirmed at the annual Central Economic Work Conference today that the Chinese government will stick to a proactive fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy into next year, and will push for continued "transformation" of the country's economic growth model towards one driven by domestic consumption.
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04/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Honduran Congress Rejects Reinstatement of Ousted President
In line with the Supreme Court's position, Honduras's Congress has effectively legitimised the June coup and prevented ousted president Manuel Zelaya's return to office; despite the strong support he continues to receive from other Latin American governments, it seems exile is his best option now.
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04/12/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Four Ministers Killed in Suicide Attack in Somalia
At least 19 people, including four cabinet ministers, were killed in this latest deadly suicide bombing in the Somali capital yesterday—an attack almost certainly carried out by anti-government insurgents.
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04/12/2009 | Frente Externo
Honduran Congress Rejects Reinstatement of Ousted President
In line with the Supreme Court's position, Honduras's Congress has effectively legitimised the June coup and prevented ousted president Manuel Zelaya's return to office; despite the strong support he continues to receive from other Latin American governments, it seems exile is his best option now.
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04/12/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Four Ministers Killed in Suicide Attack in Somalia
At least 19 people, including four cabinet ministers, were killed in this latest deadly suicide bombing in the Somali capital yesterday—an attack almost certainly carried out by anti-government insurgents.
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03/12/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
New U.S. Afghan Strategy Elicits Mixed Reactions
U.S. president Barack Obama finally unveiled his new Afghanistan strategy yesterday, the key elements of which are a 30,000-strong increase in troop numbers and an exit strategy of sorts.
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03/12/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
New U.S. Afghan Strategy Elicits Mixed Reactions
U.S. president Barack Obama finally unveiled his new Afghanistan strategy yesterday, the key elements of which are a 30,000-strong increase in troop numbers and an exit strategy of sorts.
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01/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Abu Dhabi Announces Support for Banks But Markets Wary of Rift with Dubai
Markets in Europe and North America avoided a panic sell-off on 27 November over Dubai's financial problems, but anxiety continues amid speculation over tensions behind Abu Dhabi's announcement that it will support banks.
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01/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
India's Economy Expands at Fastest Pace in 18 Months, Rate Hikes Appear Imminent
India's economy has rebounded strongly during the second quarter of the current fiscal year, highlighting broad upside risks in its outlook.
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01/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Abu Dhabi Announces Support for Banks But Markets Wary of Rift with Dubai
Markets in Europe and North America avoided a panic sell-off on 27 November over Dubai's financial problems, but anxiety continues amid speculation over tensions behind Abu Dhabi's announcement that it will support banks.
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01/12/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
India's Economy Expands at Fastest Pace in 18 Months, Rate Hikes Appear Imminent
India's economy has rebounded strongly during the second quarter of the current fiscal year, highlighting broad upside risks in its outlook.
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27/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Markets Plunge on Dubai's Credit Problems
News that giant conglomerate Dubai World had been forced to freeze debt repayments has knocked investor confidence at a critical time, dragging equities in Asia and Europe sharply lower.
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27/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Markets Plunge on Dubai's Credit Problems
News that giant conglomerate Dubai World had been forced to freeze debt repayments has knocked investor confidence at a critical time, dragging equities in Asia and Europe sharply lower.
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26/11/2009 | Medio Ambiente
Copenhagen Climate Conference Boosted by U.S. President's Confirmed Attendance, More Explicit Targets
U.S. president Barack Obama and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao have confirmed that they will attend next month’s climate change conference in Copenhagen (Denmark), and both have offered their most explicit emissions targets yet.
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26/11/2009 | Medio Ambiente
Copenhagen Climate Conference Boosted by U.S. President's Confirmed Attendance, More Explicit Targets
U.S. president Barack Obama and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao have confirmed that they will attend next month’s climate change conference in Copenhagen (Denmark), and both have offered their most explicit emissions targets yet.
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25/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Recession Ends in South Africa, But Recovery Expected to Be Slow
According to figures released by Statistics South Africa the South African economy showed weak growth in the third quarter of 2009, thus following most developed economies by exiting the recession officially.
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25/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Recession Ends in South Africa, But Recovery Expected to Be Slow
According to figures released by Statistics South Africa the South African economy showed weak growth in the third quarter of 2009, thus following most developed economies by exiting the recession officially.
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24/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
German Q3 GDP Recovery Driven by Major Inventory Rebound
Detailed German GDP data underline the importance of rebounding inventories to the overall growth performance during the third quarter.
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24/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
German Q3 GDP Recovery Driven by Major Inventory Rebound
Detailed German GDP data underline the importance of rebounding inventories to the overall growth performance during the third quarter.
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23/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Indian PM's First High-Profile Visit to U.S. Underscores Strengthening Relations
Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh arrived for his first high-profile visit to the United States yesterday, which is set to further improve bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of anti-terrorism as well as civilian nuclear and defence co-operation.
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23/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Indian PM's First High-Profile Visit to U.S. Underscores Strengthening Relations
Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh arrived for his first high-profile visit to the United States yesterday, which is set to further improve bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of anti-terrorism as well as civilian nuclear and defence co-operation.
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22/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Low-Profile Pragmatic Candidates Chosen for EU's Top Posts
European Union (EU) leaders have chosen low-profile candidates for the roles of EU president and foreign affairs minister, but neither should be underestimated.
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22/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Low-Profile Pragmatic Candidates Chosen for EU's Top Posts
European Union (EU) leaders have chosen low-profile candidates for the roles of EU president and foreign affairs minister, but neither should be underestimated.
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16/11/2009 | Medio Ambiente
APEC Members Pledge to Revive World Economy, But Hopes Dashed on Climate Change
World leaders gathered in Singapore for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) vowed to pursue a new economic growth strategy and to work towards "an ambitious outcome" at next month's climate change talks in Copenhagen (Denmark), but the shortage of specifics is ominous.
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16/11/2009 | Medio Ambiente
APEC Members Pledge to Revive World Economy, But Hopes Dashed on Climate Change
World leaders gathered in Singapore for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) vowed to pursue a new economic growth strategy and to work towards "an ambitious outcome" at next month's climate change talks in Copenhagen (Denmark), but the shortage of specifics is ominous.
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13/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone Exits Recession with GDP Growth of 0.4% in Q3
After five quarters, the Eurozone has moved out of recession with an overall GDP expansion of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2009.
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13/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone Exits Recession with GDP Growth of 0.4% in Q3
After five quarters, the Eurozone has moved out of recession with an overall GDP expansion of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2009.
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11/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Lebanese Break Near-Five-Month Deadlock, Form Unity Government
Prime Minister Saad Hariri has broken a dangerous impasse in the political process by getting rival factions to finally form a government; however, serious challenges loom.
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11/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Chinese Economy Makes Strong Start to Q4 as Industrial Growth Rebounds to Pre-Crisis Levels
The Chinese economy has made a strong start to the fourth quarter, as industrial output growth accelerated to 16.1% year-on-year in October, a return to pre-crisis levels.
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11/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Lebanese Break Near-Five-Month Deadlock, Form Unity Government
Prime Minister Saad Hariri has broken a dangerous impasse in the political process by getting rival factions to finally form a government; however, serious challenges loom.
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11/11/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Chinese Economy Makes Strong Start to Q4 as Industrial Growth Rebounds to Pre-Crisis Levels
The Chinese economy has made a strong start to the fourth quarter, as industrial output growth accelerated to 16.1% year-on-year in October, a return to pre-crisis levels.
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10/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Iraqi Polls Safeguarded as Parliament Passes Crucial Election Law
A compromise reached over Iraq’s long-stalled election law yesterday will ensure that the pivotal general election is held more or less on time and that the U.S. troop-withdrawal schedule remains unaffected for now.
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10/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Iraqi Polls Safeguarded as Parliament Passes Crucial Election Law
A compromise reached over Iraq’s long-stalled election law yesterday will ensure that the pivotal general election is held more or less on time and that the U.S. troop-withdrawal schedule remains unaffected for now.
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07/11/2009 | Frente Externo
UN Backs Gaza War Crimes Resolution, Palestinian President Rules Out Re-Election
The controversial report was overwhelmingly passed by the UN General Assembly, although it remains non-binding; meanwhile, the fragile stability of the Palestinian Authority has been rocked by the decision of President Mahmoud Abbas not to seek re-election.
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06/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Political Turmoil Intensifies in Romania as Parliament Rejects Proposed Cabinet
As predicted, Romania's majority opposition parliament yesterday rejected Prime Minister-designate Lucian Croitoru's proposed cabinet, leaving the country in a whirlpool of political and economic instability.
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04/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Security Concerns Grow as Venezuela Shuts Border with Colombia
The killing of two Venezuelan national guardsmen has prompted the country to close pivotal transit points along the border with its neighbour, Colombia.
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04/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Czech President Swallows Bitter Pill and Signs EU Reform Treaty
The EU Reform Treaty is set to enter into force soon, following the overdue ratification of the text by Eurosceptic Czech President Vaclav Klaus yesterday.
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02/11/2009 | Frente Externo
Afghanistan - Karzai Declared Victor in Afghanistan After Opponent's Withdrawal, But Overwhelming Challenges Ahead
Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) declared Hamid Karzai the winner of the Afghan presidential election today, calling off the run-off polls scheduled for 7 November, essentially now shifting the focus onto the overwhelming challenges ahead.
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31/10/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Mixed Signals as Iran Submits Nuclear Response
Iran sent out mixed signals yesterday as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took a relatively soft approach to the country’s co-operation over its nuclear programme; however, the Islamic Republic's response to an earlier negotiated nuclear deal appears to have fallen well below hopes.
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30/10/2009 | Frente Externo
German Chancellor Embarks on Second Term with Combustible Cabinet Line-Up
The new centre-right coalition government has the potential to upset powerful stakeholders and must tread even more carefully than its predecessor if it wants to stay the course.
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29/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
South African Government Debt to Double over Next Four Years
The government's net loan debt as a percentage of GDP is estimated to increase from 22.6% in fiscal 2008/09 to 41.1% in 2012/13; nevertheless, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan reassured investors the government is committed to prudent monetary and fiscal policy in his first Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on 27 October 2009.
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28/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Japan's East Asian Community Proposal Steals Show at ASEAN Summit
While the Asia Pacific Summit negotiations—centring on regional trade and global economic issues—resulted in a number of important achievements, problems continue to hinder progress in establishing a vast region-wide economic block.
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27/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Product Safety in U.S. Spotlight as Agreement Reached with China, Domestic Overhaul Continues
A series of scandals over the safety of consumer goods and foods has galvanised the U.S. administration into a major rethink of regulatory structures and the oversight of imports from the likes of China.
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21/10/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iran Attends Second Round of Nuclear Talks, Blames Foreign Powers for Baluch Bombing
The second round of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers began yesterday amid Iranian allegations that foreign powers, including the United States and Pakistan, had a hand in the deadly bombings which killed over 40 people, including members of the Revolutionary Guard, in Sistan-Baluchestan over the weekend.
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21/10/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: IEC Announces Final Afghan Election Results, Run-Off Elections to Be Held on 7 November
After the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) submitted its report on fraud rulings yesterday, ordering the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to invalidate a "certain percentage" of votes, the IEC today announced that incumbent President Karzai just missed the 50 per cent plus one vote threshold, saying that a second round of elections is to be held on 7 November.
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19/10/2009 | Frente Externo
Africa - Zimbabwean Government in Fresh Tumult as Former Opposition "Disengages"
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's announcement on 16 October that his party is suspending contact with President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF represents the most serious challenge to the power-sharing government yet.
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15/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
EU Delivers Most Promising Report Yet on Aspiring Member States
There are clear winners from the latest enlargement report of the EC but the majority of South-East European states face an arduous path to membership, with the EC struggling to meet the demands of aspiring nations due to institutional constraints.
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14/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China and Russia Finalise Multi-Billion-Dollar Ten-Year Trade Deals
Russia and China have signed record-breaking trade deals that signal much closer bilateral economic co-operation over the coming decade.
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13/10/2009 | En Profundidad
Unveils Largest Privatisation Programme Since 1980s
U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday presented plans for a "fire sale" of non-financial assets, but even if the proceeds of this reach the £16 billion hoped for, it is small change in the context of the country's burgeoning deficit.
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12/10/2009 | Frente Externo
Armenia and Turkey Sign Fragile Peace Agreement
The internationally acclaimed Armenian-Turkish protocols may look good on paper but are marred with controversy from the start.
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09/10/2009 | Frente Externo
New Greek Centre-Left Government Starts Difficult Tenure
The new Greek government appears to be stable, which is vital if it is to survive the impending socio-economic challenges.
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09/10/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Signs of a Shift in Afghan Strategy as U.S. Stresses Al-Qaida Threat
Yesterday’s White House statement that the Taliban pose a lesser threat to the United States than al-Qaida sparked speculation over a possible strategy change with regard to Afghanistan, including a more political role for the Taliban, as the Obama administration continues its strategic review.
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07/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Australia Becomes First G20 Economy to Lift Rates as Growth Concerns Fade
Australia emerged as the trend-setter among the G20 yesterday with its decision to increase the official cash rate from 3% to 3.25%.
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06/10/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
North Korea Ready to Return to Six-Party Talks, But Says Conditional on Direct Bilateral Talks with U.S.
At the end of a three-day visit from Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, North Korea has said it is ready to return to six-party talks, but has also stated that this would be conditional upon the successful holding of direct bilateral talks with the United States.
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05/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Rapid Recovery Continues in Brazil, Bullish Sentiment Fuelled by 2016 Olympics Victory
Industrial production jumped 1.2% in August with respect to July, confirming that the Brazilian economy is in solid recovery; this was further boosted by major news from Copenhagen (Denmark) that Rio de Janeiro is to be awarded the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
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02/10/2009 | Frente Externo
Iran Offers Concessions at Landmark International Meeting
After a week of heightened tensions and dampened expectations, yesterday Iran agreed in principle with the so-called P5+1 group of nations to a number of promising concessions; this has defused an escalating row over its nuclear programme at a time when domestic shortages risk wrecking havoc with its economy.
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01/10/2009 | Frente Externo
Devastation from Typhoon Ketsana Puts Pressure on South-East Asian Governments
Tropical Storm Ketsana continues to wreak havoc across South-East Asia, causing death and destruction in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, while relief efforts in the Philippines are hampered by continued flooding and damage to infrastructure.
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01/10/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
M&A Activity in European Telecoms Picking Up, TDC Agrees to Sell Invitel to Mid Europa Partners
In line with its strategy to focus on core operations, TDC has again found a buyer for its international holding in Mid Europa Partners.
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01/10/2009 | Frente Externo
China Affirms its Global Ascendancy with Spectacular Sixtieth Anniversary Parade
China has showcased its military strength during National Day celebrations, illustrating its illustrious history as well as its rise to an economic, political, and military power.
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30/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Wide-Ranging Economic and Regulatory Agenda Laid Out by G20
Wrapping up an extraordinary week of international diplomacy, the G20 leading economies pledged regulatory reforms and policy commitments in a bid to avoid a repeat of the past year's crisis, but it remains to be seen how far the sweeping statements are translated into action.
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30/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Global FDI Landscape Reshaped by Economic Crisis
UNCTAD's latest World Investment Report shows that FDI flows between developed economies slumped last year as the economic crisis took hold, but flows were up in other parts of the world where they are most needed. 2009 is proving weaker all round.
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21/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Doubts Arise over Succession Plans as China Concludes Fourth Plenary Session
A key meeting in China sparks questions over the future of China’s leadership transition.
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19/09/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Scaled-Back U.S. Missile Defence Plans Ease Russia Relations, Signal Change in Diplomatic Priorities
The United States has scaled back plans to build a missile defence system, a major shift in foreign and security policy that has wide ramifications for relations with Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
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17/09/2009 | Frente Externo
New Japanese Prime Minister Announces Cabinet Line-Up
A major political shift has taken place in Japanese politics as the Liberal Democratic Party steps down from government for only the second time in more than fifty years.
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16/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission Orders Recount of 10% of Votes
Given the hundreds of serious complaints of irregularities that have been filed with the UN-backed Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), a recount of around 10% of votes was ordered that could force incumbent president Hamid Karzai into run-off elections with his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah.
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15/09/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iran Agrees to International Talks, P5+1 Hopes to Break Nuclear Impasse
Iran yesterday agreed to engage in the first top-level meeting with the so-called P5+1 group of nations in over a year, paving the way for a possible—albeit unlikely—break in the never-ending stalemate over Iran’s nuclear programme.
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14/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Brazil Emerges from Recession as GDP Expands 1.9% in Q2
Brazilian GDP expanded 1.9% in the second quarter of 2009 with respect to the first, marking the end of the recession that began in the last quarter of 2008.
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12/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Political Stalemate Deepens as Lebanese PM-Designate Steps Down
Lebanese PM-designate Saad Hariri abandoned efforts to form a new cabinet yesterday, further entrenching Lebanon’s chronic political stalemate.
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12/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Chinese Economic Growth Gathers Momentum Again in August
A flurry of data released today shows that there was a marked acceleration in Chinese economic growth during August after almost flat growth the previous month.
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12/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Political Stalemate Deepens as Lebanese PM-Designate Steps Down
Lebanese PM-designate Saad Hariri abandoned efforts to form a new cabinet yesterday, further entrenching Lebanon’s chronic political stalemate.
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10/09/2009 | En Profundidad
U.S. President Looks to Regain Initiative on Healthcare Reform
President Barack Obama has endured a rough ride of late as Republicans have rounded on his healthcare reforms; yesterday's address to a joint session of Congress saw him bid to regain the initiative with his trademark rhetoric, clarifying his preferences, showing some willingness to compromise, and dismissing alarmist accusations.
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09/09/2009 | Transparencia
Election 2009: Incumbent Afghan President Passes 50% Mark, But Fraud Claims Persist
Afghan election officials have said that President Hamid Karzai has avoided a run-off against his nearest opponent by winning 54.1% of the vote, but myriad electoral fraud accusations are proving impossible to ignore for the United States and other key international backers.
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08/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Political Limbo Drags On as Lebanese Opposition Rejects PM-Designate's Cabinet Proposal
Two and a half months after being chosen as prime minister, Saad Hariri yesterday presented President Michel Suleiman with a cabinet line-up that was immediately criticised by the opposition.
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07/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
G20 Finance Ministers Make Progress on Financial Sector Reform But Light on Specifics
Finance ministers emerged from the latest G20 meeting upbeat over global economic recovery, and about the potential for a broad agreement on banking sector reform; however, behind the scenes, it is clear vigorous debates continue.
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05/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Tensions Run High in Gabon as Former Leader's Son Becomes President
The long-delayed announcement of the winner of Gabon’s presidential election has been accompanied by civil unrest on the streets of Libreville and Port-Gentil as oppositionists contest the fact that Ali Ben Bongo, son of the late president, is the country's new leader.
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04/09/2009 | Frente Externo
Iranian Cabinet Approval Boosts President, International Sanctions Threat Defied
Emboldened by the approval of 18 out of 21 of his cabinet nominees, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears to have again emerged defiant in the face of international pressure over the country’s nuclear programme.
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03/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Greek Government Collapses Under Weight of Socio-Economic Woes
An early election may see the government depart while socio-economic woes remain.
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02/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurostat Confirms Eurozone GDP Close to Stabilisation in Q2
Eurostat confirmed that Eurozone GDP contracted by just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) in the second quarter of 2009 after drops of 2.5% q/q in the first quarter and 1.8% q/q in the fourth quarter of 2008.
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01/09/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Growth Recovers in India During Q1 But Drought-Related Agricultural Risks Loom
The Indian economy gained traction in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, accentuating building upside risks in its outlook, but a widening drought could threaten the farm sector.
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31/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Opposition Democrats Secure Landslide Victory in Japan
Voters have ushered in a new era of Japanese politics, as the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party was ousted from government by the opposition Democratic Party of Japan.
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29/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Japan Braces Itself as Opposition Looks Set for Victory
Japan is bracing itself for major political change on the eve of a historic election to the Lower House of Parliament.
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27/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Election 2009: Preliminary Results Trickle In as Attack in Southern Afghanistan Kills Dozens
Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) has published preliminary results of the country's presidential and provincial council elections, indicating a head-to-head race between incumbent Hamid Karzai and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, but these tallies should be treated with caution.
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27/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Austrian Parties Back Gradual Softening of Banking Secrecy Laws
One of Europe's last bastions of banking secrecy is falling after the ruling parties in Austria obtained the backing of the opposition for a change to the rules.
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26/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Iraqi Premier Excluded from Revived Shi'a Alliance
Iraq’s main Shi’a political parties yesterday unveiled a new and revamped alliance ahead of the country’s pivotal January 2010 national elections; absent from the new alliance is Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
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24/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Ban of Hungarian President's Visit Puts Considerable Strain on Fragile Hungarian-Slovak Bilateral Ties
Ties between the Hungarian and Slovak governments have taken a turn for the worse following the entry refusal for Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom.
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21/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Mixed Picture Follows Presidential Poll in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's second ever presidential and provincial council elections went ahead despite widespread violence and low voter turnout, suggesting that legitimacy will play a major issue in the country's post-election landscape.
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20/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Loyalists Form Core of Iranian President's Cabinet Nominees
After nearly missing the midnight deadline for submitting his nominees for Iran’s new government to parliament, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has put forward a list that largely consists of loyalists with a security background.
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19/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Election 2009: Much at Stake as Polling Set to Begin in Afghanistan
Afghans are set to head to the polls for the country's second-ever presidential and provincial council elections tomorrow, amidst a deteriorating security situation that has sparked fears over the perceived legitimacy of the results.
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18/08/2009 | Frente Externo
U.S. Skirts over Democracy Issues During Egyptian Leader's Landmark Visit
Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has begun his first visit to the United States in five years for talks which are expected to focus on advancing Middle East peace but circumvent issues relating to the country’s negligible political reform efforts.
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17/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Recession Ends in Hong Kong, Benefiting from Stronger Mainland Demand and Local Consumer Spending
Hong Kong's economy rebounded strongly in the second quarter of 2009, ending four consecutive quarters of contraction, led by a revival in regional trade and improving consumer confidence.
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14/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Contraction Slows Sharply in Eurozone During Q2
Eurozone GDP contracted at a sharply reduced rate of 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, according to a "flash" estimate from Eurostat.
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14/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
German Economy Emerges from Recession in Q2
"Flash" data show that German GDP expanded in the second quarter, the first increase since the first quarter of 2008.
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14/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Contraction Slows Sharply in Eurozone During Q2
Eurozone GDP contracted at a sharply reduced rate of 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, according to a "flash" estimate from Eurostat.
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14/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
German Economy Emerges from Recession in Q2
"Flash" data show that German GDP expanded in the second quarter, the first increase since the first quarter of 2008.
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12/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Flash GDP Estimate for Q2 Reveals Depth of Russia's Downturn
The Statistical Service released a flash estimate of the headline development in Russian GDP in the second quarter; the 10.9% y/y decline posted was sharper than most analysts had expected and called into question claims that the economic downturn had bottomed out by May.
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12/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Flash GDP Estimate for Q2 Reveals Depth of Russia's Downturn
The Statistical Service released a flash estimate of the headline development in Russian GDP in the second quarter; the 10.9% y/y decline posted was sharper than most analysts had expected and called into question claims that the economic downturn had bottomed out by May.
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11/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Cordial NAFTA Summit Fails to Conceal Divisions on Trade, Security
U.S. President Barack Obama has rounded off the latest in a whirlwind of international summits; this time it was the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) bloc and the many issues on the table included swine flu, the economy, Honduras, trade disputes, and drugs-related violence.
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11/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Cordial NAFTA Summit Fails to Conceal Divisions on Trade, Security
U.S. President Barack Obama has rounded off the latest in a whirlwind of international summits; this time it was the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) bloc and the many issues on the table included swine flu, the economy, Honduras, trade disputes, and drugs-related violence.
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10/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's SWF in New Overseas Expansion Following 50% Asset Growth in 2008
Some SWFs are stirring again and none are more ambitious or armed with such potential financial muscle as China's CIC.
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10/08/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
China's SWF in New Overseas Expansion Following 50% Asset Growth in 2008
Some SWFs are stirring again and none are more ambitious or armed with such potential financial muscle as China's CIC.
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07/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Extremism Unlikely to Wane in Pakistan Despite Reported Death of Taliban Leader
U.S. and Pakistani officials have intercepted communications that suggest that key Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud may have been killed in a U.S. drone attack on Pakistani territory earlier this week.
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07/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Extremism Unlikely to Wane in Pakistan Despite Reported Death of Taliban Leader
U.S. and Pakistani officials have intercepted communications that suggest that key Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud may have been killed in a U.S. drone attack on Pakistani territory earlier this week.
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06/08/2009 | Frente Externo
President Obama Struggles to Maintain Healthcare Reform Momentum in U.S.
Efforts to overhaul the bloated, inefficient, and patchy U.S. healthcare system have reached a critical juncture as Democrats in Congress try to strike an intricate compromise in the face of an increasingly effective onslaught from Republicans as well as growing public unease.
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06/08/2009 | Frente Externo
President Obama Struggles to Maintain Healthcare Reform Momentum in U.S.
Efforts to overhaul the bloated, inefficient, and patchy U.S. healthcare system have reached a critical juncture as Democrats in Congress try to strike an intricate compromise in the face of an increasingly effective onslaught from Republicans as well as growing public unease.
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05/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Iran's Embattled President Sworn In, Colossal Challenges Ahead
Nearly two months after his re-election resulted in mass protests and the deepest political crisis experienced by the Islamic Republic, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in today before parliament.
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05/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Iran's Embattled President Sworn In, Colossal Challenges Ahead
Nearly two months after his re-election resulted in mass protests and the deepest political crisis experienced by the Islamic Republic, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in today before parliament.
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04/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Afghanistan, Russia Key Preoccupations for NATO's New Head
NATO's new secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, aims to increase the organisation's influence while keeping all stakeholders on board; key immediate challenges include bolstering the Afghan mission and improving relations with Russia.
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04/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Afghanistan, Russia Key Preoccupations for NATO's New Head
NATO's new secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, aims to increase the organisation's influence while keeping all stakeholders on board; key immediate challenges include bolstering the Afghan mission and improving relations with Russia.
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03/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Supreme Leader Endorses President amid Mass Trials and ''Confessions'' in Iran
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has endorsed the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, two days before the incumbent is due to renew his presidential oath before parliament.
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03/08/2009 | Frente Externo
Supreme Leader Endorses President amid Mass Trials and ''Confessions'' in Iran
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has endorsed the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, two days before the incumbent is due to renew his presidential oath before parliament.
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01/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
ETA Marks Fiftieth Anniversary with Escalation of Violence in Spain
An apparent escalation of violence by ETA in the run-up to its 50th anniversary seems to be an attempt by the terrorist group to flex its muscles following a series of arrests and waning support in the Basque country, but the attacks carry a faint aroma of desperation.
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01/08/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
ETA Marks Fiftieth Anniversary with Escalation of Violence in Spain
An apparent escalation of violence by ETA in the run-up to its 50th anniversary seems to be an attempt by the terrorist group to flex its muscles following a series of arrests and waning support in the Basque country, but the attacks carry a faint aroma of desperation.
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29/07/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Security Deteriorates in Northern Nigeria as Islamist Radicalism Takes Hold
Insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria is at a high as four states impose dusk-to-dawn curfews in the aftermath of scores of deaths linked to Islamist fundamentalism.
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29/07/2009 | Frente Externo
Iran's Weakened President Faces Harshest Warning Yet from Conservatives
Weakened after a recent period of political unrest and mounting criticism, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was issued a stark warning by conservatives today.
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29/07/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Security Deteriorates in Northern Nigeria as Islamist Radicalism Takes Hold
Insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria is at a high as four states impose dusk-to-dawn curfews in the aftermath of scores of deaths linked to Islamist fundamentalism.
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29/07/2009 | Frente Externo
Iran's Weakened President Faces Harshest Warning Yet from Conservatives
Weakened after a recent period of political unrest and mounting criticism, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was issued a stark warning by conservatives today.
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27/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
South Korea Posts Strong Growth in Q2
South Korean GDP grew at a nearly 10% pace in April-June, a sharp rebound from the previous two quarters.
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27/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
South Korea Posts Strong Growth in Q2
South Korean GDP grew at a nearly 10% pace in April-June, a sharp rebound from the previous two quarters.
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25/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Contraction Much Sharper than Expected in U.K. During Q2
Preliminary data show that real GDP contracted at a rate of 0.8% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, a substantially worse performance than had been expected.
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25/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Contraction Much Sharper than Expected in U.K. During Q2
Preliminary data show that real GDP contracted at a rate of 0.8% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, a substantially worse performance than had been expected.
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23/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
North Africa's Regional and Global Integration Seen as Solution to External Shocks
Deeper integration among Maghreb nations (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia) and a fully-fledged European Union (EU)/United States/Maghreb free-trade agreement (FTA) could cushion these economies from external shocks, such as the ongoing global financial crisis.
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23/07/2009 | Frente Externo
Last-Ditch Effort to Solve Honduran Crisis Hangs in the Balance
Hopes for a political settlement of the Honduran crisis are dwindling, as the last mediation offer from Costa Rican president Oscar Arias appears to be headed for failure.
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23/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
North Africa's Regional and Global Integration Seen as Solution to External Shocks
Deeper integration among Maghreb nations (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia) and a fully-fledged European Union (EU)/United States/Maghreb free-trade agreement (FTA) could cushion these economies from external shocks, such as the ongoing global financial crisis.
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23/07/2009 | Frente Externo
Last-Ditch Effort to Solve Honduran Crisis Hangs in the Balance
Hopes for a political settlement of the Honduran crisis are dwindling, as the last mediation offer from Costa Rican president Oscar Arias appears to be headed for failure.
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21/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
IMF Announces US$2.5-bil. Loan Agreement with Sri Lanka to Stave Off Default
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Sri Lankan government today agreed terms on a US$2.5-billion loan agreement to bolster external liquidity, but improvement in the sovereign risk rating will remain dependent on actual implementation.
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21/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
IMF Announces US$2.5-bil. Loan Agreement with Sri Lanka to Stave Off Default
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Sri Lankan government today agreed terms on a US$2.5-billion loan agreement to bolster external liquidity, but improvement in the sovereign risk rating will remain dependent on actual implementation.
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20/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
As Industrial Output Sinks, Mexico Cuts Rates
Seasonally adjusted data show that industrial production fell 2.2% in May month-on-month; the Central Bank has moved to cut rates again.
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20/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
As Industrial Output Sinks, Mexico Cuts Rates
Seasonally adjusted data show that industrial production fell 2.2% in May month-on-month; the Central Bank has moved to cut rates again.
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17/07/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Twin Bombs Tear Through Luxury Hotels in Indonesian Capital
Jakarta has been rocked by twin bombings at two luxury hotels in the business district, undermining the significant progress Indonesia has made in improving its security environment.
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17/07/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Twin Bombs Tear Through Luxury Hotels in Indonesian Capital
Jakarta has been rocked by twin bombings at two luxury hotels in the business district, undermining the significant progress Indonesia has made in improving its security environment.
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16/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Stimulus Boosts Chinese Growth to 7.9% in Q2
Chinese growth rebounded in the second quarter of 2009 as momentum was boosted by massive macroeconomic stimulus and a surge in investment, but the short-term growth spurt may be serving only to exacerbate long-term risks.
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16/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Stimulus Boosts Chinese Growth to 7.9% in Q2
Chinese growth rebounded in the second quarter of 2009 as momentum was boosted by massive macroeconomic stimulus and a surge in investment, but the short-term growth spurt may be serving only to exacerbate long-term risks.
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16/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Stimulus Boosts Chinese Growth to 7.9% in Q2
Chinese growth rebounded in the second quarter of 2009 as momentum was boosted by massive macroeconomic stimulus and a surge in investment, but the short-term growth spurt may be serving only to exacerbate long-term risks.
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15/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Government Spells Out Five-Year Plan in South Africa
Planning Minister Trevor Manuel yesterday unveiled the medium-term strategic framework (MTSF) that will guide the government's programme of action over the next five years.
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15/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Government Spells Out Five-Year Plan in South Africa
Planning Minister Trevor Manuel yesterday unveiled the medium-term strategic framework (MTSF) that will guide the government's programme of action over the next five years.
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15/07/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Government Spells Out Five-Year Plan in South Africa
Planning Minister Trevor Manuel yesterday unveiled the medium-term strategic framework (MTSF) that will guide the government's programme of action over the next five years.
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28/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Ireland Records Worst GDP Performance in 30 Years During 2008
The fourth quarter of 2008 saw annual GDP decline 7.5%, leaving growth for 2008 as a whole at -2.3%, the worst performance in 30 years.
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15/03/2009 | Frente Externo
Amid Deepening Economic Crisis, Latvia Ushers in Latest Government
Latvia's new government may be of short tenure, but it is not short of challenges between now and the next scheduled election in 2010.
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15/03/2009 | Frente Externo
Pakistani Government Employs Questionable Tactics to Curtail Lawyers' March
The government has employed a range of tactics in its bid to curtail this week's "Long March", which has been organised by the legal community as part of moves to press for the reinstatement of a number of judges.
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15/03/2009 | Frente Externo
Amid Deepening Economic Crisis, Latvia Ushers in Latest Government
Latvia's new government may be of short tenure, but it is not short of challenges between now and the next scheduled election in 2010.
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15/03/2009 | Frente Externo
Pakistani Government Employs Questionable Tactics to Curtail Lawyers' March
The government has employed a range of tactics in its bid to curtail this week's "Long March", which has been organised by the legal community as part of moves to press for the reinstatement of a number of judges.
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18/01/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian Government Calls for International Conference to Resolve Gas Conflict with Ukraine
Russia is attempting to internationalise the conflict, hoping that bringing Europe further into the equation will help reach a sustainable solution; but no way forward is yet in sight.
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10/01/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Stock Market Sectors with the Best Prospects in North America and Europe for 2009
Healthcare and staples are the strongest stock market sectors for North America and Europe in 2009; consumer discretionary and financials are the weakest.
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06/01/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Risks Heighten as Israel Launches Gaza Ground Assault
Thousands of Israeli troops and scores of tanks pushed deeper into the war-battered Gaza Strip yesterday despite warnings over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory; the ground assault has upped the stakes and raised questions over the efficacy of Israel’s military strategy.
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05/01/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Risks Heighten as Israel Launches Gaza Ground Assault
Thousands of Israeli troops and scores of tanks pushed deeper into the war-battered Gaza Strip yesterday despite warnings over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory; the ground assault has upped the stakes and raised questions over the efficacy of Israel’s military strategy.
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02/01/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Set to Slash Interest Rates Again Next Thursday, European Central Bank Likely to Deliver Smaller Cut Later in January
Thursday sees the Bank of England announcing its interest rate decision for January, while the ECB will deliver its decision on 15 January. Both central banks are under intense pressure to deliver major cuts, but the Bank of England seems more willing to oblige than the ECB.
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24/12/2008 | En Parrilla
Latin America Trumpets Unity While Stumbling over Regional Integration
Bringing together 33 leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, the two day "Mega-Summit" in Brazil delivered new regional integration projects and served as a reminder as to why integration has proved so challenging in Latin America.
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24/12/2008 | Frente Externo
Mass Corporate Default Looms in Ukraine Following Hryvnia Plunge
The falling hryvnia threatens the solvency of banks, companies, and households; if the decline however is caused mainly by speculation, a rebound of the hryvnia could be observed soon.
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24/12/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. Economy Contracts Even More Deeply in Q3 than Previously Estimated
Real GDP contracted by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter, having only stagnated in the second quarter
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27/11/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
People's Bank of China Slashes Interest Rates as Growth Risks Intensify
The People's Bank of China (PBoC) mounted an aggressive assault on interest rates today, as concerns over the economic outlook intensify.
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27/11/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
India - More than 100 Killed as Mujahedeen Group Stages Attacks in India's Financial Capital
The attack against India’s financial hub by hitherto unknown radical group the Deccan Mujahedeen has raised concerns over the growing risk of home-grown terrorism, prompting IHS Global Insight to downgrade the country’s Security Risk Rating.
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27/11/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
People's Bank of China Slashes Interest Rates as Growth Risks Intensify
The People's Bank of China (PBoC) mounted an aggressive assault on interest rates today, as concerns over the economic outlook intensify.
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27/11/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
India - More than 100 Killed as Mujahedeen Group Stages Attacks in India's Financial Capital
The attack against India’s financial hub by hitherto unknown radical group the Deccan Mujahedeen has raised concerns over the growing risk of home-grown terrorism, prompting IHS Global Insight to downgrade the country’s Security Risk Rating.
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03/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian GDP Growth Slows on Decelerating Investment and Shrinking Net Exports in Q2
The pace of growth of GDP moderated somewhat in the second quarter of 2008 relative to a quarter earlier as fixed capital investment decelerated and real net exports of goods and services dwindled further, but the result for the first half of the year was still slightly ahead of the same period a year earlier thanks to a vibrant first quarter.
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03/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Interest Rate Decision Dominates U.K. Economic Week Beginning 6 October
All attention next week will be focused on Thursday's interest rate decision from the Bank of England, amid heightened expectations that the deteriorating economic and financial environment will compel the bank of cut interest rates, despite still rising inflation.
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03/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian GDP Growth Slows on Decelerating Investment and Shrinking Net Exports in Q2
The pace of growth of GDP moderated somewhat in the second quarter of 2008 relative to a quarter earlier as fixed capital investment decelerated and real net exports of goods and services dwindled further, but the result for the first half of the year was still slightly ahead of the same period a year earlier thanks to a vibrant first quarter.
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03/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Interest Rate Decision Dominates U.K. Economic Week Beginning 6 October
All attention next week will be focused on Thursday's interest rate decision from the Bank of England, amid heightened expectations that the deteriorating economic and financial environment will compel the bank of cut interest rates, despite still rising inflation.
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24/09/2008 | Frente Externo
South Africa's President Forced Out, Interim Successor Named
South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has named its deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe as the country's caretaker president this morning, succeeding the outgoing head of state Thabo Mbeki after his forced resignation from office last night.
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24/09/2008 | Frente Externo
South Africa's President Forced Out, Interim Successor Named
South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has named its deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe as the country's caretaker president this morning, succeeding the outgoing head of state Thabo Mbeki after his forced resignation from office last night.
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20/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
IKK-Direkt Merges with Techniker Krankenkasse to Create New German Health Insurance Giant
In a rare move, two of Germany's health insurance funds are to merge ahead of a reform that will see smaller insurers struggling to stay afloat.
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20/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
IKK-Direkt Merges with Techniker Krankenkasse to Create New German Health Insurance Giant
In a rare move, two of Germany's health insurance funds are to merge ahead of a reform that will see smaller insurers struggling to stay afloat.
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18/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Parliament Elects New Thai Prime Minister
The Thai parliament today elected Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister, prompting fears of continued political instability.
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18/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Political Opponents in Zimbabwe Put Ink to Paper on Historic Power-Sharing Deal
Robert Mugabe is now constitutionally obliged to treat a rival narrative on national policy as legitimate; however, this agreement falls far short of the division of executive authority some will have hoped for.
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18/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Parliament Elects New Thai Prime Minister
The Thai parliament today elected Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister, prompting fears of continued political instability.
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18/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Political Opponents in Zimbabwe Put Ink to Paper on Historic Power-Sharing Deal
Robert Mugabe is now constitutionally obliged to treat a rival narrative on national policy as legitimate; however, this agreement falls far short of the division of executive authority some will have hoped for.
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10/09/2008 | Frente Externo
EU, Georgian and Russian Government’s Pledge Commitment to Peace Plan
The European Union has achieved a major success towards resolving the stalemate between the Kremlin and the Georgian government; yet–as previously—the application of the deal depends on a number of uncertainties.
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10/09/2008 | Frente Externo
EU, Georgian and Russian Government’s Pledge Commitment to Peace Plan
The European Union has achieved a major success towards resolving the stalemate between the Kremlin and the Georgian government; yet–as previously—the application of the deal depends on a number of uncertainties.
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08/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: Asif Ali Zardari Wins Pakistani Presidential Election
Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto and co-chair of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won Pakistan’s presidential election on Saturday.
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08/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: Asif Ali Zardari Wins Pakistani Presidential Election
Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto and co-chair of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won Pakistan’s presidential election on Saturday.
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17/08/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Argentina (Country Intelligence)-Security
Argentina's chief issues remain poverty and unemployment. The country has registered strong GDP growth since 2003, with its longevity confounding most expectations. However, various elements combine to cast doubt on the sustainability of this rebound.
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17/08/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Argentina (Country Intelligence)-Security
Argentina's chief issues remain poverty and unemployment. The country has registered strong GDP growth since 2003, with its longevity confounding most expectations. However, various elements combine to cast doubt on the sustainability of this rebound.
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11/08/2008 | Frente Externo
Russian President Targets Corruption, Raises Tensions with PM
President Dmitry Medvedev has sought to reassure investors after the Russian stock market plunged following Premier Vladimir Putin’s assault on coal producer Mechel; Medvedev accompanied his signing of the government’s anti-corruption strategy with sharp criticism of the security services, which many have seen as indirect criticism of Putin.
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11/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Cabinet Reshuffled in Japan with Focus on Economic Reform
Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has named a new cabinet in a bid to address the deepening political crisis that his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing.
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11/08/2008 | En Parrilla
Renewed Sanctions Call Risks Derailing Iran's Oil and Gas Investment Drive
Nuclear negotiations held yesterday between the European Union representative and Iran—with more expected this week—have been deemed inconclusive by the United States, raising the threat of further United Nations sanctions; meanwhile Iran is preparing new sweetened investment terms to try and attract interest to its hydrocarbon sector.
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11/08/2008 | Frente Externo
Russian President Targets Corruption, Raises Tensions with PM
President Dmitry Medvedev has sought to reassure investors after the Russian stock market plunged following Premier Vladimir Putin’s assault on coal producer Mechel; Medvedev accompanied his signing of the government’s anti-corruption strategy with sharp criticism of the security services, which many have seen as indirect criticism of Putin.
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11/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Cabinet Reshuffled in Japan with Focus on Economic Reform
Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has named a new cabinet in a bid to address the deepening political crisis that his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing.
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11/08/2008 | En Parrilla
Renewed Sanctions Call Risks Derailing Iran's Oil and Gas Investment Drive
Nuclear negotiations held yesterday between the European Union representative and Iran—with more expected this week—have been deemed inconclusive by the United States, raising the threat of further United Nations sanctions; meanwhile Iran is preparing new sweetened investment terms to try and attract interest to its hydrocarbon sector.
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13/05/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Lebanon Nearing Civil War Following Weekend of Violence
From a position of weakness the Lebanese government last week dismantled Hizbollah’s telecommunications network and sacked a pro-Hizbollah army chief charged with airport security, setting the stage for a bloody showdown which has so far left over 50 people dead.
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12/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Quarterly Inflation Report Star Economic Attraction in Week Commencing 12 May
Latest indicators suggest that the U.K. economic downturn may be deepening and widening. At the same time though, inflation pressures remain elevated.
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12/05/2008 | En Parrilla
Changing Economy Presents Tough Challenges for New Irish PM
New Prime Minister Brian Cowen faces the tricky task of rallying support for his fiscal and foreign affairs policies amid an economic downturn and the looming referendum on the EU Reform Treaty.
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10/05/2008 | En Parrilla
Election 2008: Serbia Heads to Polls for Pivotal General Election
Serbia is heading to the polls on 11 May in a general election largely billed as a referendum on the country's European integration.
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04/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Interest Rate Decision Key U.K. Economic Event in Week Commencing 5 May
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee seems likely to keep interest rates unchanged at the conclusion of its monthly meeting on Thursday, but weak data could yet trigger a back-to-back 25-basis-point cut to 4.75%.
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02/05/2008 | En Parrilla
Partial Agricultural Accord Eases Tension in Argentina
Partial agreements on wheat and meat exports were inked yesterday by the government and the agricultural sector, going some way towards easing tension between the two embattled parties; it remains to be seen whether these will suffice to secure a postponement of tomorrow's deadline for the resumption of protests.
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27/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Housing Market Data at the Forefront of Forthcoming U.K. Economic Releases
Next week is expected to see further evidence that housing market activity is continuing to be pressurized heavily by the damaging combination of stretched buyer affordability and very tight lending conditions.
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27/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Venezuela-Led Bloc Seeks Solution to Bolivian Crisis, Food Shortages
The regional Venezuela-led group the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) has fulfilled expectations by expressing its solidarity with Bolivia’s President Evo Morales at an extraordinary summit, the chief outcome of which was the signing of an accord on food security.
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24/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Growth in China Slows Modestly in Q1
The momentum of Chinese growth proved resilient to a series of setbacks in the first quarter, but the economy must negotiate an increasingly complex set of contradictory pressures in 2008.
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24/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
The U.S. Recession Watch
The U.S. economy probably slipped into recession during the first quarter. If it has, December 2007 will represent the expansion's peak. The NBER Business Cycle Dating Committee will not make an official ruling for several months.
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24/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: CPN-UML Pulls Out of Nepal's Government as Maoists Emerge as Dominant Party
The unexpected gains made by the Maoists in Nepal’s landmark election have come as a shock to established parties, prompting a reconfiguration of the political landscape.
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24/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: Opposition Ends Six Decades of One-Party Rule in Paraguay
Paraguayan voters opted for change yesterday, electing “bishop of the poor” Fernando Lugo as president and ending the 61-year reign of the conservative Colorado Party (PC).
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24/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Bank of England Presents £50-bil. Mortgage Swap Plan
The Bank of England yesterday unveiled a scheme designed to boost liquidity within the United Kingdom's financial markets and ease the extended deadlock in the credit markets.
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24/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: U.S. Democratic Hopeful Clinton Keeps Hopes Alive with Win in Pennsylvania
As anticipated, New York Senator Hillary Clinton has won in the key populous state of Pennsylvania, but with an insufficient margin to prove that she has turned the tables on the favourite, Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
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06/04/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Some Win, Some Lose at NATO Summit
The NATO summit's results showed strength on military co-operation and weakness on policy and ideology issues.
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26/03/2008 | En Profundidad
Argentina-President under Pressure as Export Tax Protests Spread to Argentine Capital
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner confirmed yesterday her refusal to roll back the next export-tax regime on grain, and her criticisms of the ongoing strike have prompted a radicalisation of the movement.
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20/03/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Industrial Output Growth in Central, Southern China Suffers Blow in Wake of Storms
Industrial output growth figures for February have revealed the true depth and range of impacts felt by regional economies that were in the path of the blizzard that swept through central and southern China earlier this year.
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19/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Date Set for Kenya's Largest-Ever Privatisation
The Kenyan government has finally set the date for the privatisation of state-owned mobile telephone company Safaricom at a time when both the fiscal and economic implications of the deal have highly significant consequences.
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13/03/2008 | Frente Externo
The Effects of Recession on State Governments
Are state governments able to mitigate the effect of recession on their finances? According to Global Insight's recent forecast, a recession seems probable for most state economies in 2008. Since a recession means a slower economic growth, reduced personal income, and declines in jobs, it seems reasonable that state governments would take measures to try to mitigate the effect of recession on their fiscal performance.
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10/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Malaysia - Election 2008: Strong Showing by Malaysian Opposition Ushers In New Era of Democracy
Unprecedented gains made by Malaysia’s unified opposition has changed the country’s political landscape and mounted a major challenge to the continued rule of Prime Minister Mohammad Ahmad Badawi.
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07/03/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
UN Security Council Tightens Iran Sanctions, Complicating Oil and Gas Developments and Trade
A third set of sanctions against Iran has been passed by the United Nations Security Council—though not, this time, unanimously—hitting the country's finance industry particularly hard.
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05/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: Key Victories Keep Democrat Clinton's Hopes Alive, Republicans Settle on McCain
Yesterday's key contests in Ohio and Texas were viewed as make-or-break for Senator Hillary Clinton's hopes, but in the event she triumphed and the race looks set to drag on for a few months yet.
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18/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Putin Draws Line Under Presidency at Final Press Conference, but Will Continue to Mould Russian Politics
The outgoing president inspired confidence in the Russian populace at his final press conference, while the incoming president announced a liberal economic agenda.
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06/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Election 2008: Pro-European Incumbent Wins Second Term in Serbia's Presidential Run-Off
Incumbent Boris Tadic has beaten nationalist Tomislav Nikolic in the second round of presidential voting; a win that has been welcomed by the EU as it is hoped that Tadic will keep the small but pivotal Balkan state on the path towards accession despite a looming declaration of independence in Kosovo.
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03/02/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
First Estimate of Russian 2007 GDP Growth Exceeds all Expectations
An apparent acceleration of growth in the fourth quarter of 2007 could explain the very impressive 8.1% growth for the full year reported by Russia's Federal State Statistical Service in a preliminary estimate of developments for the full year, although quarterly results through September could well be revised upward in March 2008.
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01/02/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Growth in China Sears to 13-Year High
The Chinese economy expanded at its fastest rate since 1996 in 2007, but risks loom large in 2008.
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01/02/2008 | En Parrilla
Electricity Crisis in South Africa Intensifies
Well into the third week of continuous power-cuts and load-shedding, Eskom, South Africa’s state electricity supplier, has requested that its key customers reduce consumption to “survival levels” for the next four weeks as part of its demand-management programme.
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21/12/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: GNP Win in Presidential Contest Puts South Korea Back on Conservative Path
After a decade of liberal rule, South Korea has been placed firmly on a conservative path with the victory of Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party (GNP) in yesterday's presidential elections.
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21/12/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Implications of the 2007 Energy Bill for Agriculture
On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). The Bill will provide support for current biofuel resources (consistent with Global Insight's recent U.S. Agriculture long-term report), but adds mandates for cellulosic and other non-traditional feed stocks.
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08/12/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Budget 2008: Irish Budget Overshadowed by Weakening Economic Context
Ireland's 2008 budget is considerably more stringent than its recent predecessors, reflecting the less favourable economic environment, and leaves little room for the leading Fianna Fáil party to meet the pledges it made in its election manifesto earlier this year.
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08/12/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Fraud Probe Verdict Clears Way for South Korean Conservatives' Return to Power
Presidential frontrunner Lee Myung-bak of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) was today cleared of allegations in a major fraud case, thereby significantly boosting his position in the upcoming elections.
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02/11/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Prospects for Sri Lankan Peace Process Grow Bleaker as Tamil Political Leader is Killed in Air Strike
The Sri Lankan air force today killed S. P. Thamilselvan, the political leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrilla group, amid intensifying hostilities in the ongoing civil war.
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30/10/2007 | En Profundidad
Election 2007: First Lady Triumphs in Argentine Vote
Senator and First Lady Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became Argentina's first elected female president yesterday, as she secured widespread support and avoided a second-round run-off.
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30/10/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Latent Risks Fanned by China's Booming Growth Prompt Risk Rating Downgrade
The Chinese economy barrelled to growth of 11.5% in the third quarter of the year, but the risks associated with the increasingly unbalanced nature of growth have prompted Global Insight to downgrade its economic risk rating from 2.50 to 2.75.
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27/10/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
U.S. Imposes Unilateral Sanctions on Iran
The United States yesterday unveiled unilateral sanctions against the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and three state-owned banks, in a move that will greatly increase the risk of doing business with Iran.
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25/10/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
IMF Review Finds Nigeria Surpassing Original Programme Goals
The IMF's latest review of Nigeria's Policy Support Instrument shows that the country has significantly over-performed over the last three years (2005, 2006, and 2007) compared with projected targets, but fiscal risks do exist in the short term.
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20/10/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Crisis in Sudan as Main Southern Faction Withdraws From Government and Darfur Violence Intensifies
In a serious blow to the central administration, the main southern Sudanese faction, the SPLM, has announced that it has now suspended all participation in the central government, accusing the president’s northern-dominated party of failing to abide by a peace agreement signed in 2005. The announcement also follows reports of a marked escalation of violence in the troubled Darfur region.
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04/10/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Coming In from the Cold? Korean Peace Pact Agreed, Nuclear Disablement by Year-End
North Korea today agreed to sign a formal peace treaty with South Korea at a historic summit, at which its agreement to the disablement of its nuclear programme by year-end was also announced.
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28/09/2007 | Frente Externo
Budget 2008: French Government Presents Ambitious Package Amid Rising Criticism of Public Finances
The French government presented its state budget for 2008 yesterday just days after Prime Minister François Fillon claimed he was the leader of a bankrupt country.
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28/09/2007 | En Parrilla
Much Ado About Nothing as Russian President Announces New Government
President Putin enjoys employing his drama skills; after a two-week long wait, he has left the cabinet unchanged.
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31/08/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
International Military Deployment in Chad and CAR Imminent
The UN Security Council has expressed its support for the idea of deploying a multi-dimensional international presence in the east of Chad and the north-east of the Central African Republic (CAR) to provide the necessary protection to the thousands of refugees, internally displaced persons and civilians in this fragile zone.
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31/08/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Stability and Risks Ahead as Turkey's Ruling Party Elects President
The ruling Justice and Development has elected Abdullah Gul as the eleventh president of Turkey, amid warnings from the military over the secular order.
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30/08/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Parliamentary Contest Gives Kazakhstan a Corrupt Stability
Natural resources will outweigh electoral standards in defining the West's approach to Kazakhstan, but investors should beware of the strengthened bureaucracy.
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30/08/2007 | Frente Externo
Embattled Japanese PM Carries Out Major Cabinet Reshuffle Following Election Defeat
Japan’s beleaguered prime minister today appointed a new cabinet with key posts filled by veterans from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
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15/08/2007 | Frente Externo
End to Crisis? PM Backs Snap Polish Elections
Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski has conceded that elections are the only solution to the current government crisis, and he plans to head a minority administration in the interim.
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11/08/2007 | Frente Externo
Crucial By-Elections Stoke Political Tensions in Lebanon
Tense by-elections to replace two slain Lebanese MPs have underlined the divisions among Lebanon’s fractured Christian community, acting as a prelude to that country’s presidential elections, which are slated for September.
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11/08/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Announcement of Historic Korean Summit Raises Hopes for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
The Inter-Korean Summit will follow the first of its kind held in 2000 and is a significant engagement effort at a time when North Korea is moving ahead on delivering its nuclear disarmament pledges.
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31/07/2007 | Frente Externo
PM of Japan Stays in Power Despite Crushing Defeat in Upper House Elections
The leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has agreed to keep Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at its helm despite a crushing defeat in the upper house polls, but questions remain as to whether the Party will continue to retain someone who is considered an electoral liability as head in the run-up to the next elections in 2009/10.
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28/07/2007 | En Parrilla
Last Pre-Election Parliamentary Session Opens in Zimbabwe with Controversial Bills
Parliament opened yesterday for the last session before the March 2008 elections to debate the merging of parliamentary and presidential elections, the creation of a new national incomes and pricing commission and indigenisation and nationalisation laws.
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28/07/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
New Strains to Colombia’s Paramilitary Peace Process
Four additional members of Colombia’s Congress are under investigation for paramilitary links while leaders of the far-right umbrella United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) have stopped co-operating with judicial authorities in protest at a Supreme Court ruling.
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04/07/2007 | En Parrilla
Election 2007: Argentina's Electoral Suspense Ends as First Lady/Senator Makes Bid for Presidency
President Néstor Kirchner will not bid for a second consecutive term, leaving his almost equally popular wife Senator Cristina Fernández seeking to succeed him to Argentina's top post.
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30/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Constitutional Impasse Cleared at EU Summit in Victory for Eurosceptics
Leaders from the 27 member states of the European Union concluded a challenging two-day summit with a tentative agreement on a new reform treaty in a bid to end the bloc’s institutional impasse.
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30/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Companies Pull Out of Venezuela as New Oil Contracts Signed
Venezuela has signed new contract agreements with seven companies but some international investors have rejected the move to alter terms for their continued participation in the oil sector.
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30/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Petrochemicals on a Moderate Rebound Course … for Now!
With U.S. manufacturing activity showing signs of improvement and end-users rebuilding depleted inventories, petrochemical volume rebounded in the first quarter of this year, following lackluster performances in 2005 and 2006. We see market conditions deteriorating in 2009-11.
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30/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Only One Minister Stays in Place as PM Brown Overhauls U.K. Cabinet
Keen to demonstrate that he is serious about "change", new Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced a wholesale overhaul of his cabinet yesterday, handing some major promotions to "up-and-coming stars".
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16/06/2007 | Frente Externo
High-Profile U.S. Visit to Pakistan Sends Mixed Messages
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, yesterday met with senior officials, election officials and opposition members as part of a visit to Pakistan.
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16/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Palestinian President Dismisses Government; Hamas Assumes Control of Gaza
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the national unity government led by Hamas, as the Islamist group assumed control of the Gaza Strip, routing Fatah loyalists and declaring a de facto Islamic state on Israel’s doorstep.
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16/06/2007 | Frente Externo
High-Profile U.S. Visit to Pakistan Sends Mixed Messages
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, yesterday met with senior officials, election officials and opposition members as part of a visit to Pakistan.
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16/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Palestinian President Dismisses Government; Hamas Assumes Control of Gaza
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the national unity government led by Hamas, as the Islamist group assumed control of the Gaza Strip, routing Fatah loyalists and declaring a de facto Islamic state on Israel’s doorstep.
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13/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Former Israeli Premier Assumes Charge of Labour Party
Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak has assumed leadership of the Labour Party, sealing the fate of Defence Minister Amir Peretz, who has been dogged by the political fallout over Israel’s mishandling of the July 2006 conflict with the Lebanese group, Hizbollah.
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13/06/2007 | Frente Externo
Former Israeli Premier Assumes Charge of Labour Party
Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak has assumed leadership of the Labour Party, sealing the fate of Defence Minister Amir Peretz, who has been dogged by the political fallout over Israel’s mishandling of the July 2006 conflict with the Lebanese group, Hizbollah.
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10/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
China Set to Take the Lead in Global Manufacturing
China is on pace to outrank the United States in manufacturing output. The actual timing of this change will depend on how output is measured.
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10/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
India and China Are Looking for Alternative Ethanol Sources
With ethanol production being ramped up, China and India are looking beyond their main input crops to meet this demand without sacrificing food security.
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10/06/2007 | En Profundidad
President's Ally Faces Run-Off in Argentine Capital's Election
President Néstor Kirchner received a boost yesterday in the Buenos Aires mayoral election as his Education Minister Daniel Filmus squeezed into the run-off to compete against centre-right Mauricio Macri, who emerged the clear victor of the first round with some 45% of the vote.
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10/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
China Set to Take the Lead in Global Manufacturing
China is on pace to outrank the United States in manufacturing output. The actual timing of this change will depend on how output is measured.
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10/06/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
India and China Are Looking for Alternative Ethanol Sources
With ethanol production being ramped up, China and India are looking beyond their main input crops to meet this demand without sacrificing food security.
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10/06/2007 | En Profundidad
President's Ally Faces Run-Off in Argentine Capital's Election
President Néstor Kirchner received a boost yesterday in the Buenos Aires mayoral election as his Education Minister Daniel Filmus squeezed into the run-off to compete against centre-right Mauricio Macri, who emerged the clear victor of the first round with some 45% of the vote.
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16/05/2007 | Frente Externo
Bolivia - Ecuador: Ecuador to Follow Bolivia, Amend All Bilateral Investment Treaties
U.S. investors in Ecuador and Bolivia are not the only ones that need to worry after the Andean governments announced moves to renegotiate all existing bilateral investment treaties (BITs).
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16/05/2007 | Frente Externo
Bolivia - Ecuador: Ecuador to Follow Bolivia, Amend All Bilateral Investment Treaties
U.S. investors in Ecuador and Bolivia are not the only ones that need to worry after the Andean governments announced moves to renegotiate all existing bilateral investment treaties (BITs).
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03/05/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Major Iraq Stabilisation Conference Kicks Off in Egypt
The Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will today host a major international conference focused on reconstructing and securing Iraq four years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country.
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03/05/2007 | Frente Externo
Ruling Party Calls for Early Elections in Positive Development for Turkey
The crisis over presidential elections in Turkey looks to be overcome by early parliamentary ballots following the constitutional court’s annulment of the first-round vote last week.
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03/05/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Five Convicted over Major U.K. Terrorist Plots, New Light Shed on Radical Networks
A year-long trial reached its conclusion yesterday with the conviction of five Britons who plotted large-scale terrorist attacks in London, and who had connections with the 7 July 2005 attackers.
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03/05/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Major Iraq Stabilisation Conference Kicks Off in Egypt
The Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will today host a major international conference focused on reconstructing and securing Iraq four years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country.
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03/05/2007 | Frente Externo
Ruling Party Calls for Early Elections in Positive Development for Turkey
The crisis over presidential elections in Turkey looks to be overcome by early parliamentary ballots following the constitutional court’s annulment of the first-round vote last week.
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03/05/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Five Convicted over Major U.K. Terrorist Plots, New Light Shed on Radical Networks
A year-long trial reached its conclusion yesterday with the conviction of five Britons who plotted large-scale terrorist attacks in London, and who had connections with the 7 July 2005 attackers.
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30/04/2007 | En Parrilla
New Wave of Accords Sealed at ''Bolivarian Alternative'' Summit
Member states of the leftist Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) anti-imperialist bloc—Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—strengthened ties at a summit this weekend, inking a new battery of energy, social and institutional arrangements.
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30/04/2007 | En Parrilla
New Wave of Accords Sealed at ''Bolivarian Alternative'' Summit
Member states of the leftist Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) anti-imperialist bloc—Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—strengthened ties at a summit this weekend, inking a new battery of energy, social and institutional arrangements.
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26/04/2007 | Medio Ambiente
Controversy Surrounds China's First National Climate Change Assessment
State authorities have shelved the launch of China's first official climate change policy this week, after consultations across the country's sprawling public sector failed to yield agreement over its final content.
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26/04/2007 | Medio Ambiente
Controversy Surrounds China's First National Climate Change Assessment
State authorities have shelved the launch of China's first official climate change policy this week, after consultations across the country's sprawling public sector failed to yield agreement over its final content.
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25/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: High Turnout in First French Presidential Poll as Battle for Centre Ground Begins
Nicolas Sarkozy of the centre-right and the Socialist Party’s Ségolène Royal will contest the second-round run-off for the presidency. The extremely high turnout in the first round demonstrated the huge amount of interest in the election.
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25/04/2007 | Frente Externo
U.S. Democrats Agree on Iraq Withdrawal Demands as Losses Mount
The U.S. administration is under intense pressure over Iraq after Democrats in Congress agreed on demands for an early pull-out, as news broke of one of the most deadly single attacks yet on U.S. forces.
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25/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: High Turnout in First French Presidential Poll as Battle for Centre Ground Begins
Nicolas Sarkozy of the centre-right and the Socialist Party’s Ségolène Royal will contest the second-round run-off for the presidency. The extremely high turnout in the first round demonstrated the huge amount of interest in the election.
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25/04/2007 | Frente Externo
U.S. Democrats Agree on Iraq Withdrawal Demands as Losses Mount
The U.S. administration is under intense pressure over Iraq after Democrats in Congress agreed on demands for an early pull-out, as news broke of one of the most deadly single attacks yet on U.S. forces.
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21/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Tightening Measures Fail to Restrain Breakneck Growth in China
The Chinese economy expanded at a blistering rate of 11.1% in the first quarter of this year, its momentum undimmed by recent aggressive tightening of monetary policy.
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21/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Tightening Measures Fail to Restrain Breakneck Growth in China
The Chinese economy expanded at a blistering rate of 11.1% in the first quarter of this year, its momentum undimmed by recent aggressive tightening of monetary policy.
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19/04/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Deadly Bombings in Algeria Revive Fears of Militant Islam in North Africa
Simultaneous suicide bomb attacks yesterday targeted the Algerian capital, killing at least 23 people and reviving fears of a return to the spectre of Islamic terrorism that ravaged the country during the 1990s.
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19/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Tightening Measures Fail to Restrain Breakneck Growth in China
The Chinese economy expanded at a blistering rate of 11.1% in the first quarter of this year, its momentum undimmed by recent aggressive tightening of monetary policy.
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19/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. Pound Trades Above US$2.00 for First Time Since 1992
The prospect of a further rise in U.K. interest rates in the near term finally sent the pound through the US$2.00 barrier yesterday for the first time since September 1992, and it has since climbed to its highest level since June 1981. There will be both winners and losers as a result of this development.
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19/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Bilateral Relations Improve as Chinese PM Wraps Up Landmark Japanese Tour
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last week became the first of his standing in the Chinese political leadership to visit Japan since 2000, testifying to the détente under way between the troubled neighbours.
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19/04/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Deadly Bombings in Algeria Revive Fears of Militant Islam in North Africa
Simultaneous suicide bomb attacks yesterday targeted the Algerian capital, killing at least 23 people and reviving fears of a return to the spectre of Islamic terrorism that ravaged the country during the 1990s.
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19/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Tightening Measures Fail to Restrain Breakneck Growth in China
The Chinese economy expanded at a blistering rate of 11.1% in the first quarter of this year, its momentum undimmed by recent aggressive tightening of monetary policy.
................................................................................................................................
19/04/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. Pound Trades Above US$2.00 for First Time Since 1992
The prospect of a further rise in U.K. interest rates in the near term finally sent the pound through the US$2.00 barrier yesterday for the first time since September 1992, and it has since climbed to its highest level since June 1981. There will be both winners and losers as a result of this development.
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19/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Bilateral Relations Improve as Chinese PM Wraps Up Landmark Japanese Tour
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last week became the first of his standing in the Chinese political leadership to visit Japan since 2000, testifying to the détente under way between the troubled neighbours.
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10/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Official Presidential Campaign Under Way in France
Official campaigning for the eagerly anticipated 2007 presidential elections begins today. The first round, scheduled for 22 April, will see 12 candidates contest a closely fought race to make it through to the second-round run-off a fortnight later, if no single contender obtains more than half the votes cast.
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10/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Official Presidential Campaign Under Way in France
Official campaigning for the eagerly anticipated 2007 presidential elections begins today. The first round, scheduled for 22 April, will see 12 candidates contest a closely fought race to make it through to the second-round run-off a fortnight later, if no single contender obtains more than half the votes cast.
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07/04/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
British Sailors Freed by Iran as "Easter Gift"
With great theatricality, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad yesterday defused the crisis over 15 captured British sailors, but did the stand-off and denouement really serve Iran's interests?
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07/04/2007 | Frente Externo
Continuity and Change in New Estonian Cabinet
Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip has been re-confirmed following victory in March elections.
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04/04/2007 | Frente Externo
New Czech Fiscal Proposals Ambitious, but Futile Without Opposition Support
Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek’s administration has finally presented reforms, but their fate is uncertain in a hostile parliament in which the government lacks a majority.
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04/04/2007 | Frente Externo
New Chapter Opens in Ukrainian Crisis as President Dissolves Parliament
The inherent duality of Ukrainian society has shown itself yet again as the country finds itself in the biggest power stand-off since the Orange Revolution of 2004.
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02/04/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Britain Severs Official Business Contacts with Iran
The United Kingdom yesterday severed official bilateral business ties with Iran amid the ongoing standoff over the capture of 15 British naval personnel.
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02/04/2007 | En Parrilla
Brazil - President Almost Completes Brazilian Cabinet Reshuffle; Airport Crisis Continues
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appears to have almost completed his long-awaited cabinet reshuffle with the swearing in of five new ministers yesterday.
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01/04/2007 | Medio Ambiente
A Look at U.S. Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The likelihood of a federal carbon dioxide mitigation policy being implemented has increased recently, prompting a closer look at current emission levels at a regional level.
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28/03/2007 | Frente Externo
Saudi Monarch Revives Middle East Peace Plan at Arab Heads of State Summit
Arab heads of state are today expected to resuscitate King Abdullah’s Middle East peace initiative at the 19th annual Arab League summit in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
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28/03/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Economic Boom in Uruguay Drives GDP Expansion to 7.0% in 2006
Uruguayan GDP swelled 6.3% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2006, bringing growth to 7.0% in 2006, up from 6.61% registered in 2005.
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25/03/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Cuba to Step Up Oil Exploration and Ethanol Production
Cuba plans to export ethanol and intensify its oil exploration efforts.
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25/03/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
The Gems in the Expanding U.S. Export Market
Robust export growth at U.S. ports has been beneficial to their local economies, but their expansion hinges on a strong transportation infrastructure.
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20/03/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Sanctions Settlement Paves Way for Progress on North Korean Nuclear Disarmament Deal
The United States today heeded North Korean calls for it to unfreeze US$24 million in disputed funds, thereby setting the stage for the nuclear disarmament process to proceed under the six-party framework, and leading Global Insight to upgrade North Korea's Security Risk Rating by 0.25 to 2.25.
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20/03/2007 | Frente Externo
Election 2007: Twelve Candidates Confirmed in French Presidential Contest
It has been confirmed that 12 candidates have amassed a sufficient number of mayoral signatures to contest the first round of the presidential election in April, four fewer than in the 2002 poll.
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28/02/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Markets Fall Worldwide After Poor U.S. Durable Goods Data, Chinese Turbulence
News of January's plunge in U.S. durable goods orders fed market concerns yesterday, while the turbulent Chinese market registered a precipitous 9% fall, and though the latter has recovered some lost ground today, the sell-off elsewhere in Asia and in Europe has continued as investors wonder whether U.S. markets can lead a global bounce-back.
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23/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Ecuador's New Energy Minister Calls for Renegotiation of Contracts, But Not Nationalisation
Ecuador's new Energy Minister reassures investors that the government is not planning to nationalise the oil sector, but the outlook remains uncertain.
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23/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Ecuador's New Energy Minister Calls for Renegotiation of Contracts, But Not Nationalisation
Ecuador's new Energy Minister reassures investors that the government is not planning to nationalise the oil sector, but the outlook remains uncertain.
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08/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Greener Priorities, Looming Election Reflected in Canadian Cabinet Reshuffle
Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday recognised heightened environmental concerns among voters, and shifted controversial Environment Minister Rona Ambrose in a reshuffle that sees the Conservatives gird themselves for a general election that could be triggered as early as March.
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08/01/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Key U.S. Data Releases and Events
This week's key release will be December's retail sales report.
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08/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Greener Priorities, Looming Election Reflected in Canadian Cabinet Reshuffle
Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday recognised heightened environmental concerns among voters, and shifted controversial Environment Minister Rona Ambrose in a reshuffle that sees the Conservatives gird themselves for a general election that could be triggered as early as March.
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08/01/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Key U.S. Data Releases and Events
This week's key release will be December's retail sales report.
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06/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Venezuela: President Names Controversial Figure to Venezuelan Vice-Presidency
President Hugo Chavez has made the first rearrangements in the composition of his governmental team, all set to work on deepening the social and economic transformation of the country initiated when he first took office in 1999, by naming a new controversial vice-president and a new Interior and Justice minister.
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06/01/2007 | Frente Externo
Venezuela: President Names Controversial Figure to Venezuelan Vice-Presidency
President Hugo Chavez has made the first rearrangements in the composition of his governmental team, all set to work on deepening the social and economic transformation of the country initiated when he first took office in 1999, by naming a new controversial vice-president and a new Interior and Justice minister.
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04/01/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Execution of Former Iraqi Dictator Threatens to Widen Sectarian Divide
The bloody life of the former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, came to an ignominious end this weekend. His execution, which was punctuated by chants in support of the Shi’a cleric and leader of the Mahdi Army militia, Moqtada al-Sadr, will only inflame sectarian tensions in the country.
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04/01/2007 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Execution of Former Iraqi Dictator Threatens to Widen Sectarian Divide
The bloody life of the former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, came to an ignominious end this weekend. His execution, which was punctuated by chants in support of the Shi’a cleric and leader of the Mahdi Army militia, Moqtada al-Sadr, will only inflame sectarian tensions in the country.
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29/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Nigeria: MEND Set to Deliver Explosive Response to Nigeria's Elections in 2007
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have dominated Nigeria's oil industry this year by kidnapping workers, sabotaging pipelines, and forcing crude to be shut-in; the militant group looks set to play a crucial role in next year's presidential elections
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29/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Nigeria: MEND Set to Deliver Explosive Response to Nigeria's Elections in 2007
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have dominated Nigeria's oil industry this year by kidnapping workers, sabotaging pipelines, and forcing crude to be shut-in; the militant group looks set to play a crucial role in next year's presidential elections
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28/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iran Vows Defiance Following Approval of UN Sanctions; Economic Impact Appears Marginal
The UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously approved sanctions against Iran on Saturday 23 December, following months of negotiations over a compromise resolution against the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme; the limited punitive measures are, however, expected to have only a marginal impact on the country's economy.
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28/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iran Vows Defiance Following Approval of UN Sanctions; Economic Impact Appears Marginal
The UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously approved sanctions against Iran on Saturday 23 December, following months of negotiations over a compromise resolution against the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme; the limited punitive measures are, however, expected to have only a marginal impact on the country's economy.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
What Happened in Canada in 2006 – and Why?
The Canadian economy performed very close to the Global Insight forecast in 2006, with higher-than-expected oil prices causing most of the variances from forecast.
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26/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Budget 2007: French Parliament Gives Final Approval to Pre-Election Package
Both houses of parliament have now approved the state budget for 2007; a largely pre-election document, it includes tax concessions and optimistic growth forecasts for the economy next year.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Turkmenistan:transition Begins for Turkmenistan Following President's Sudden Death
More uncertainty looms in Central Asia as its most closed country, Turkmenistan, sees the death of its leader.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Parliament Approves Contentious Welfare Reform Package for Sweden
The Swedish parliament yesterday approved a controversial reform package concerning the sacrosanct welfare system;, the reforms foresee cuts to rather generous unemployment benefits and constitute the first major test for the new centre-right government.
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26/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
US- Consumers' Confidence Depends on Location
A look at consumer confidence by region indicates divergent views of the national economy.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
What Happened in Canada in 2006 – and Why?
The Canadian economy performed very close to the Global Insight forecast in 2006, with higher-than-expected oil prices causing most of the variances from forecast.
................................................................................................................................
26/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Budget 2007: French Parliament Gives Final Approval to Pre-Election Package
Both houses of parliament have now approved the state budget for 2007; a largely pre-election document, it includes tax concessions and optimistic growth forecasts for the economy next year.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Turkmenistan:transition Begins for Turkmenistan Following President's Sudden Death
More uncertainty looms in Central Asia as its most closed country, Turkmenistan, sees the death of its leader.
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26/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Parliament Approves Contentious Welfare Reform Package for Sweden
The Swedish parliament yesterday approved a controversial reform package concerning the sacrosanct welfare system;, the reforms foresee cuts to rather generous unemployment benefits and constitute the first major test for the new centre-right government.
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26/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
US- Consumers' Confidence Depends on Location
A look at consumer confidence by region indicates divergent views of the national economy.
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20/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Factional Rivalry Intensifies After Palestinian President Calls for Early Polls
In the worst case of factional fighting for more than a decade, the governing Hamas movement and the once-dominant Fatah party are on the brink of all-out war after Hamas leaders accused President Mahmoud Abbas of orchestrating a "coup" following his calls for early national elections.
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20/12/2006 | Frente Externo
U.S. President Awards India ''Unique'' Nuclear Status
U.S. President George W. Bush yesterday signed the controversial United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Co-operation Act, 2006, further deepening the strategic relationship that he has secured with India since 2004.
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20/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Factional Rivalry Intensifies After Palestinian President Calls for Early Polls
In the worst case of factional fighting for more than a decade, the governing Hamas movement and the once-dominant Fatah party are on the brink of all-out war after Hamas leaders accused President Mahmoud Abbas of orchestrating a "coup" following his calls for early national elections.
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20/12/2006 | Frente Externo
U.S. President Awards India ''Unique'' Nuclear Status
U.S. President George W. Bush yesterday signed the controversial United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Co-operation Act, 2006, further deepening the strategic relationship that he has secured with India since 2004.
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16/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Top-10 Economic Predictions for 2007 - PDF
GDP growth has decelerated in the United States, but has—so far—remained strong in most other parts of the world and accelerated in some others, notably the Eurozone. Whether the rest of the world has become immune to U.S. cycles (even a mild one) is one of the larger uncertainties about the outlook for next year. Global Insight believes that even if the rest of the world follows the U.S. lead, the deceleration worldwide will be relatively mild. We expect global growth to decline from 3.9% this year to 3.3% in 2007.
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16/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Talks Fail to Bridge Gaps on Crucial Sino-U.S. Trade Issues
High-level Sino-U.S. talks in Beijing concluded today without substantive progress on how to resolve the widening—and increasingly politicised—trade imbalance between the two countries.
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16/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Top-10 Economic Predictions for 2007 - PDF
GDP growth has decelerated in the United States, but has—so far—remained strong in most other parts of the world and accelerated in some others, notably the Eurozone. Whether the rest of the world has become immune to U.S. cycles (even a mild one) is one of the larger uncertainties about the outlook for next year. Global Insight believes that even if the rest of the world follows the U.S. lead, the deceleration worldwide will be relatively mild. We expect global growth to decline from 3.9% this year to 3.3% in 2007.
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16/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Talks Fail to Bridge Gaps on Crucial Sino-U.S. Trade Issues
High-level Sino-U.S. talks in Beijing concluded today without substantive progress on how to resolve the widening—and increasingly politicised—trade imbalance between the two countries.
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15/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Another Blow to Belarus as Russia Slaps Duties on Oil Exports
The introduction of an oil exports tax, together with the quadruple hike in gas prices by Russia, could seriously undermine the Belarussian economy.
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15/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Another Blow to Belarus as Russia Slaps Duties on Oil Exports
The introduction of an oil exports tax, together with the quadruple hike in gas prices by Russia, could seriously undermine the Belarussian economy.
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14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Mortgage Bankers Association's Market Composite Index of mortgage applications shot up 11.4% last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, and is now 16.5% above its year-earlier value. Both the purchase and refinance indexes rose in response to lower mortgage rates.
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14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Which U.S. Stock Market Sectors Have the Best Prospects Over the Next 12 Months?
Healthcare, consumer staples, and select components of the financial sector show the strongest potential for total return.
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14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian GDP Growth in Q3 Raises Expectations for the Full-Year Result
The first estimate of Russian GDP growth by sector of origin in the third quarter indicates that the momentum of aggregate output was maintained from the second to the third quarter after the relatively slow start to the year; the 6.5% growth implied for the first three quarters has led to increases in projections for the full year.
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14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Mortgage Bankers Association's Market Composite Index of mortgage applications shot up 11.4% last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, and is now 16.5% above its year-earlier value. Both the purchase and refinance indexes rose in response to lower mortgage rates.
................................................................................................................................
14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Which U.S. Stock Market Sectors Have the Best Prospects Over the Next 12 Months?
Healthcare, consumer staples, and select components of the financial sector show the strongest potential for total return.
................................................................................................................................
14/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian GDP Growth in Q3 Raises Expectations for the Full-Year Result
The first estimate of Russian GDP growth by sector of origin in the third quarter indicates that the momentum of aggregate output was maintained from the second to the third quarter after the relatively slow start to the year; the 6.5% growth implied for the first three quarters has led to increases in projections for the full year.
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12/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Iraq Study Group Challenges U.S. Policies in Middle East, All Eyes on President
The Iraq Study Group (ISG) yesterday published its long-awaited report, questioning the thrust of the administration's policies, and increasing the pressure on President George W. Bush to launch full regional dialogue and reduce U.S. combat troop presence.
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12/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Landmark Elections in Indonesian Province of Aceh Sweep Ex-Rebels to Power
Former separatist commander Irwandi Yusuf was elected to the governorship of Aceh yesterday, as the first-ever local election in the province marked the end of a three-decade separatist conflict
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12/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Iraq Study Group Challenges U.S. Policies in Middle East, All Eyes on President
The Iraq Study Group (ISG) yesterday published its long-awaited report, questioning the thrust of the administration's policies, and increasing the pressure on President George W. Bush to launch full regional dialogue and reduce U.S. combat troop presence.
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12/12/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Landmark Elections in Indonesian Province of Aceh Sweep Ex-Rebels to Power
Former separatist commander Irwandi Yusuf was elected to the governorship of Aceh yesterday, as the first-ever local election in the province marked the end of a three-decade separatist conflict
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11/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Normalisation of Vietnam Trade Relations Approved Among a Clutch of Last-Minute U.S. Congress Votes
On the final day of Republican Congressional control a wide-ranging package of economic, taxation and regulatory measures was squeezed through, including the normalisation of trade relations with Vietnam—controversial for some given the two countries' history, but a move that allows firms to make the most of Vietnam's imminent WTO accession.
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11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Key U.S. Data Releases and Events
Economic indicators next week are not expected to provide much additional focus to the ambiguity in the current economic outlook. All told, the economic indicators are shaping up to be somewhat supportive of the fixed income markets, barring a surprise from the FOMC meeting on December 12.
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11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
A Better-Than-Expected U.S. Employment Report
The economy added an additional 132,000 jobs in November, and the estimates for September and October were revised up a net 42,000. The unemployment rate inched up 0.1 point, to 4.5%. Labor markets remain tight, and the economy is continuing to generate jobs despite the housing downturn.
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11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Consumer Prices for Medical Care
The consumer price index for medical care has been climbing more than 4% annually since 2000, and is projected to maintain roughly 3.5% growth through 2016. The continuing escalation of the medical-care index at rates above the CPI for the overall economy suggests that medical expenditures will represent a growing percentage of overall U.S. GDP.
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11/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Normalisation of Vietnam Trade Relations Approved Among a Clutch of Last-Minute U.S. Congress Votes
On the final day of Republican Congressional control a wide-ranging package of economic, taxation and regulatory measures was squeezed through, including the normalisation of trade relations with Vietnam—controversial for some given the two countries' history, but a move that allows firms to make the most of Vietnam's imminent WTO accession.
................................................................................................................................
11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Key U.S. Data Releases and Events
Economic indicators next week are not expected to provide much additional focus to the ambiguity in the current economic outlook. All told, the economic indicators are shaping up to be somewhat supportive of the fixed income markets, barring a surprise from the FOMC meeting on December 12.
................................................................................................................................
11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
A Better-Than-Expected U.S. Employment Report
The economy added an additional 132,000 jobs in November, and the estimates for September and October were revised up a net 42,000. The unemployment rate inched up 0.1 point, to 4.5%. Labor markets remain tight, and the economy is continuing to generate jobs despite the housing downturn.
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11/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Consumer Prices for Medical Care
The consumer price index for medical care has been climbing more than 4% annually since 2000, and is projected to maintain roughly 3.5% growth through 2016. The continuing escalation of the medical-care index at rates above the CPI for the overall economy suggests that medical expenditures will represent a growing percentage of overall U.S. GDP.
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09/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 GDP Data Suggest Italian Growth Will Slow After Stronger-than-Expected H1
Healthy consumer spending and a sharp rise in inventories were the major growth drivers in Italy during the third quarter, offsetting a decline in both net exports and investment.
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09/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 GDP Data Suggest Italian Growth Will Slow After Stronger-than-Expected H1
Healthy consumer spending and a sharp rise in inventories were the major growth drivers in Italy during the third quarter, offsetting a decline in both net exports and investment.
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02/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Controversial Venezuelan President Looks Set to Remain in Power
Million of voters are expected at polling stations on Sunday (3 December) to decide the outcome of a hard-fought electoral battle, where a revived opposition led by Manuel Rosales will desperately try to prevent the re-election of incumbent President Hugo Chavez.
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02/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Growth Revised Up for Third Quarter, But Fourth Quarter Looks Slower
Third-quarter GDP growth was revised up to 2.2%, from 1.6%—although growth probably slowed to below 2% in the fourth quarter. The revised report showed surging profits, plus a big downward revision to labor compensation. The latter means that household finances are worse than they had seemed—but also that labor costs are less threatening for inflation.
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02/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Controversial Venezuelan President Looks Set to Remain in Power
Million of voters are expected at polling stations on Sunday (3 December) to decide the outcome of a hard-fought electoral battle, where a revived opposition led by Manuel Rosales will desperately try to prevent the re-election of incumbent President Hugo Chavez.
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02/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Growth Revised Up for Third Quarter, But Fourth Quarter Looks Slower
Third-quarter GDP growth was revised up to 2.2%, from 1.6%—although growth probably slowed to below 2% in the fourth quarter. The revised report showed surging profits, plus a big downward revision to labor compensation. The latter means that household finances are worse than they had seemed—but also that labor costs are less threatening for inflation.
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25/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. GDP Growth Confirmed as Stable at 0.7% Q/Q in Q3
The U.K. economy expanded by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter for a fourth successive quarter in the third quarter of 2006. This pushed the annual growth rate up to 2.7%, the strongest level for two years.
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25/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. GDP Growth Confirmed as Stable at 0.7% Q/Q in Q3
The U.K. economy expanded by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter for a fourth successive quarter in the third quarter of 2006. This pushed the annual growth rate up to 2.7%, the strongest level for two years.
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23/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 GDP Data Confirms Broad-Based German Upswing
Detailed data shows that the German economic recovery became even more broad-based in the third quarter of 2006, with a drop in inventories the only restraining influence.
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23/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 GDP Data Confirms Broad-Based German Upswing
Detailed data shows that the German economic recovery became even more broad-based in the third quarter of 2006, with a drop in inventories the only restraining influence.
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22/11/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Assassination of Lebanese Industry Minister Plunges Country into Deeper Crisis
The assassination yesterday of Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel, the heir of a powerful Maronite political dynasty, has ratcheted up political tensions in Lebanon.
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22/11/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Assassination of Lebanese Industry Minister Plunges Country into Deeper Crisis
The assassination yesterday of Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel, the heir of a powerful Maronite political dynasty, has ratcheted up political tensions in Lebanon.
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21/11/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Another Unstable Dutch Coalition Feared as Close Race Reaches Finale
The Christian Democratic Appeal is the favourite to win tomorrow's general election, but with its poll lead narrowing in the final hours and a crowded field of parties, there are likely to be protracted coalition negotiations.
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21/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone GDP Growth Moderates to 0.5% in Q3
Eurozone GDP growth moderated to 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of 2006, from 0.9% in the second quarter and 0.8% in the first.
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21/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 Growth Beats Expectations in Singapore
The economy expanded at a faster-than-expected rate of 7.2% in the three months through September as accelerating domestic demand growth compensated for a slowdown in exports.
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21/11/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Another Unstable Dutch Coalition Feared as Close Race Reaches Finale
The Christian Democratic Appeal is the favourite to win tomorrow's general election, but with its poll lead narrowing in the final hours and a crowded field of parties, there are likely to be protracted coalition negotiations.
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21/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Eurozone GDP Growth Moderates to 0.5% in Q3
Eurozone GDP growth moderated to 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of 2006, from 0.9% in the second quarter and 0.8% in the first.
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21/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Q3 Growth Beats Expectations in Singapore
The economy expanded at a faster-than-expected rate of 7.2% in the three months through September as accelerating domestic demand growth compensated for a slowdown in exports.
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11/11/2006 | Frente Externo
Celebrations As President Accepts Reduced Powers in New Kyrgyz Constitution
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a new constitution, which reduces his powers and ends mass protests.
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11/11/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina and Venezuela Issue Bonds Together
Argentina and Venezuela are currently receiving bids for the bonds they are selling together in the Venezuelan domestic financial market.
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02/11/2006 | Frente Externo
Military Commander Warns of Bloodshed as Fijian PM Refuses to Step Down
Military commander Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama today warned that Fiji was heading towards "bloodshed" as Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase again refused to step down.
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01/11/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: President Lula Wins Second Term in Brazil
Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a second term in a run-off vote held yesterday.
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01/11/2006 | Medio Ambiente
Climate Change Pushed Up Political Agenda by Provocative U.K. Report
Since efforts to persuade many key polluting nations to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol failed, international momentum on climate change has flagged. A high-profile report commissioned by the U.K. Treasury has, however, refocused some attention on the issue, highlighting the economic consequences and arguing that "climate change is the greatest market failure the world has seen".
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28/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
World Bank President Attacks China over African Lending Policy
The World Bank president has attacked China over its foreign policy in Africa, deeming it irresponsible and capable of pushing African countries back into their huge debt build-up cycles.
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28/10/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: ODS Landslide Victories in Senate and Local Elections Signal Nature of New Czech Government
The Civic Democrats (ODS) won a landslide victory in the Czech Senate and local elections, held on 20–21 October; the position of ODS leader Mirek Topolanek is considerably boosted as he continues negotiations for the formation of a new cabinet, while his main opponent, Jiri Paroubek of the Social Democrats, has been weakened.
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28/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Asia’s Service Sectors Are More Vibrant than What Regional and Sector Aggregates Reveal
The service sector’s contribution to the Asian economy has remained well below that in the west, with the exception of Japan.
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28/10/2006 | Frente Externo
BRAZIL-Election 2006: President Lula On Course for a Second Term in Brazil
Campaigning ahead of the second-round vote of the Brazilian presidential elections on 29 October closed on Wednesday, with polls showing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Worker’s Party (PT), holding a lead of over 20% over his rival, former governor of São Paulo Geraldo Alckmin (Brazilian Social Democratic Party—PSDB).
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20/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Foreign Direct Investment Surged 29% Worldwide in 2005
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its authoritative annual appraisal of global FDI trends earlier this week. Global Insight analyses its findings, and asks whether the impressive cross-border flows of 2005 will be repeated over subsequent years.
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20/10/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Sri Lankan-LTTE Suicide Bombs Key Sri Lankan Port and Naval Base
Suspected members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrilla group have today (18-oct-06) targeted the key port of Galle in the south of Sri Lanka.
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20/10/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
NORTH KOREA-International Community Agrees to Impose Sanctions on North Korea
The UN Security Council (UNSC) agreed on Saturday (14 October) to impose sanctions on North Korea, after the Stalinist leadership significantly raised tension in north-east Asia by allegedly detonating a nuclear bomb last week.
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20/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Global Insight’s Top-12 Industry Picks for 2006 and 2007
Asia Pacific excluding Japan continues to enjoy the world’s most robust industrial performance as a region. For 2007, we anticipate that four of the world’s 12 fastest-growing industries will be from the service sector.
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14/10/2006 | Frente Externo
IRAQ-Federalism Law Approved with Slim Majority by Iraqi Parliament
Sunni leaders yesterday voiced fears that the federalism law approved by a slim majority in parliament is a recipe for the disintegration of Iraq.
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14/10/2006 | Frente Externo
ECUADOR-Election 2006: Campaign Closes with Ecuadorian Radical Still Favourite
Rival Ecuadorian candidates concluded their campaigns with political rallies aiming to stem the flow of support in favour of leftist front-runner Rafael Correa, who led the field of 13 candidates in final polls.
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07/10/2006 | Frente Externo
Texas and Louisiana's Resource-Rich Region
Texas and Louisiana demonstrate the risks of relying on a comparative advantage.
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07/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Conflicting Signals in September's U.S. Employment Report
The September employment report showed a payroll gain of only 51,000. But the August gain was revised up, the unemployment rate fell, and new benchmark data indicate that the payroll survey has been understating employment growth. The economy is slowing, but not enough to prompt a Fed rate cut before next March.
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07/10/2006 | Frente Externo
President's ''Our Ukraine'' Party Warns of Move to Opposition Benches
Political instability could beckon again in Ukraine as the pro-Presidential Our Ukraine party prepares to switch to the opposition benches.
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05/10/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
North Korean Threat to Test Nuclear Bomb Heightens Regional Tension
The North Korean regime yesterday announced its intention to conduct a nuclear bomb test as a deterrent to "the U.S. threat", thereby significantly raising tension in north-east Asia.
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04/10/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
COTE D´IVOIRE-Radicalisation on Both Sides of the Divide Plagues Peace in Côte d'Ivoire
The peace process in Côte d'Ivoire has entered a new phase with the recent demand by the ruling Popular Ivorian Front for all French military personnel to leave the country.
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04/10/2006 | Frente Externo
FRANCE-Former French PM Rules Himself Out of Presidential Race to Unite Divided Opposition
Former prime minister Lionel Jospin has announced that he will not present himself as a possible candidate for the 2007 presidential election.
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04/10/2006 | Frente Externo
AUSTRIA-Election 2006: Opposition Overcomes Banking Scandal to Take Victory in Austria
Conservative chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel has been deprived of a third term in power, after a defeat not predicted by polls.
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04/10/2006 | Frente Externo
Budget 2007: Italian Government Forced to Defend "Compromise" Package
Prime Minister Romano Prodi is preparing for a key test of coalition unity following the government’s approval of the 2007 draft budget.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Brazil: Election 2006: What Does It Mean for the Brazilian Economy?
In the first of a series of articles on the upcoming Brazilian election, Global Insight takes a closer look at some of the economic challenges facing the winner of the October poll.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Mexico: Talks Fail, No End in Sight for Southern Mexico Protests
Teachers leading demonstrations in the southern state of Oaxaca abruptly ended talks with Interior Minister Carlos Abascal after failing to broker a deal to halt protests that have disrupted historic Oaxaca City since May.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Thailand: Rumours of a Coup in Thailand as State of Emergency Is Declared
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced a state of emergency following an apparent military coup attempt in Thailand.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Thailand: Military Coup Leaders in Thailand Expected to Unveil Policy Programme Today
Coup leader and army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin is expected to unveil a policy programme today after the military took control of government last night.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Thailand: Global Insight Assesses the Impact of Recent Developments on Thailand's Risk Ratings
Global Insight has been closely monitoring political developments in Thailand during 2006, which culminated this week with a military coup, and we now turn our attention to possible risk triggers over the short and medium terms.
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23/09/2006 | Frente Externo
Thailand: Sovereign Risk Ratings for Thailand Confirmed at Current Levels Following Military Coup
Following a review of Global Insight's sovereign risk position on Thailand in the wake of the 19 September coup, we have left the rating unchanged at 35 on a stable outlook, reflecting the strength of external fundamentals, which should provide insulation against volatility.
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06/09/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Authorities Rule Out Heightened Security After Jordanian Gunman Targets Foreign Tourists
Jordanian officials maintain that security levels in the capital and beyond are adequate, despite the killing of one British tourist yesterday in a daylight attack by a "lone" gunman.
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04/09/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Sudan Prepares Major Offensive in Darfur, Calls on African Union Troops to Leave
The Sudanese government has called on the African Union (AU) to leave Darfur, as it launches a new military push in its restive western province.
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04/09/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Questions Linger as Kazakh Court Convicts All 10 Defendants for Opposition Leader's Murder
A court in south-east Kazakhstan has delivered guilty verdicts in the murder trial of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbayev, handing down the death sentence to the main defendant although there remain a number of unanswered questions fuelling the belief that the trial was an elaborate cover-up.
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02/09/2006 | Frente Externo
LUKoil Back on the West Qurna Case in Iraq
LUKoil's indefatigable chief executive, Vagit Alekperov, has started planning for his next trip to Iraq in pursuit of the West Qurna field, which was awarded to the Russian player by the previous regime, although subsequently withdrawn for contract non-performance. Alekperov said that he plans to visit Iraq early next year to discuss the project, in which LUKoil had held a 68.5% stake.
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02/09/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.S. Steel Industry: When Ambiguity Is a Clear Sign
News stories about the U.S. steel industry are confusing. Some indicate strength, some weakness. This confusion is actually a clear sign of a turning point, and a leading indicator that prices will fall in the fourth quarter.
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02/09/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Questions Linger as Kazakh Court Convicts All 10 Defendants for Opposition Leader's Murder
A court in south-east Kazakhstan has delivered guilty verdicts in the murder trial of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbayev, handing down the death sentence to the main defendant although there remain a number of unanswered questions fuelling the belief that the trial was an elaborate cover-up.
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01/09/2006 | Frente Externo
BRAZIL-Election 2006: Brazil’s President Presents Programme for Re-Election; Poll Predicts Possible Victory in First Round
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this week unveiled his programme for government during 2007-10, promising continuity in the event of him securing a second mandate at the forthcoming election.
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30/08/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Turkish Government Divided on Lebanon Troop Deployment, Under Pressure as Rebels Claim Bomb Attack
The cabinet has agreed in principle on the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Lebanon, but opposition in high circles remains.
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02/08/2006 | Frente Externo
President of Cuba Undergoes Surgery, Hands Power to Brother Temporarily
President Fidel Castro has announced, via a communiqué, the handover of all his powers to his brother, Raul Castro, and other top officials; however temporary, the extent of the unprecedented measure has sparked speculations about the health of the leader, with dissidents openly celebrating the possibility of his imminent death.
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02/08/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Civilian Deaths in Lebanon Provoke International Outcry, Israel Suspends Aerial Bombardment
An air strike has killed 56 Lebanese civilians, many of them children, in the deadliest attack so far in the offensive against Hizbollah, with Israel subsequently announcing that it would suspend aerial bombings of Lebanon for 48 hours.
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30/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
High Profits Globally Drive Capital Investments and Industrial Expansion
Capital expenditure takes over the lead role from consumer spending as the principal driver for global economic growth.
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30/07/2006 | Frente Externo
DR CONGO-Election 2006: DRCongo Looks Ahead to Historic Election with Hope and Fear
The Democratic Republic of Congo will hold its first democratic election in over 40 years this Sunday, which, if it goes well, will transform the country into a new political era.
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27/07/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
World Powers Gather in Italian Capital to Discuss Israel-Hizbollah Ceasefire Plan
Attempts to broker a Lebanese peace deal come against the backdrop of the deaths of four UN peacekeepers, killed following an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon
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27/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Election 2006: The Presidential Election and Impending Oil Wealth in Sao Tome
Three candidates will be competing for the top political spot in Sao Tome in elections scheduled for Sunday (30 July). With an impending oil boom set to transform this isolated island nation into an international energy producer, the stakes are high for the politicians engaged in the race.
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21/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
U.K. GDP Growth at Two-Year High of 0.8% Q/Q in Q2
GDP qrowth was 0.8% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter of 2006, the best performance for two years, according to a "flash" estimate from the Office for National Statistics.
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20/07/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Israeli Troops Battle Hizbollah in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army has intensified its assault on Hizbollah’s outposts and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
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20/07/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
ANGOLA-Angolan Ceasefire Agreement Signed But Questions Remain
Several claims had been made in the past couple of years over the potential acceptance of a ceasefire agreement between the separatist Cabindan movements and the Angolan authorities in Luanda, to no avail. After 31 years of resistance and aspirations for independence the fighting may be over.
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18/07/2006 | Frente Externo
No Respite in Military Offensive as Middle East Crisis Spirals
Foreign governments are scrambling to evacuate thousands of their citizens from Lebanon as international efforts to end a burgeoning Middle Eastern military crisis stagger on.
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16/07/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Lebanon Counts the Costs of Israel’s Offensive as Crisis Threatens Middle East
Israel intensified air strikes on Lebanon this morning, targeting the country’s infrastructure, as the escalating military crisis threatens to engulf the region.
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13/07/2006 | Frente Externo
POLAND - PM's Surprise Resignation Sets Stage for New Polish Political Crisis
Poland’s Prime Minister, Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, has resigned from his post after just nine months and will officially step down today (10 July). His departure opens the position up for Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, and the identical twin brother of President Lech Kaczynski.
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12/07/2006 | Frente Externo
Ukraine's Political Woes Deepen as New ''Anti-Crisis'' Coalition Formalised
Ukraine's new parliamentary speaker has formally announced the creation of a new "anti-crisis" coalition which has nominated the defeated presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych as its choice for prime minister; the move once again threatens to polarise Ukraine with the two main Orange parties demanding new elections, indicating that they will block parliament.
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12/07/2006 | Frente Externo
RUSSIA-Symbolic Blow for Chechen Rebels as Notorious Warlord Killed in Southern Russia
Shamil Basayev, Russia's public enemy No.1 and an icon for the Chechen rebel movement, has been killed in an explosion in the fractious republic of Ingushetia; his death is a major propaganda victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the G8 summit and may have an impact on the Chechen rebel group's ability to secure external funding, but will not signally alter the course of the conflict.
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07/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Russian GDP Decelerates on Fixed Capital Formation, Shrinking Real Net Exports in Q1 2006
Data on developments in GDP by end-use in the first quarter reveal that growth of gross fixed capital formation slowed significantly from the preceding quarter while net exports of goods and services remained a substantial drag on overall growth.
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07/07/2006 | Frente Externo
MEXICO-Election 2006: Narrow Victory for Mexican Rightist Brings Tentative Relief for Businesses, U.S.
Investors breathed a sigh of relief as the final count confirmed a slim advantage of just 0.58% for conservative contender Felipe Calderón ahead of left-leaning challenger Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in Mexico’s closest ever presidential contest.
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06/07/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
International Community Remains Divided as North Korea Warns of Further Missile Tests
The international community has shown itself to be divided on co-ordinating a unified response to the North Korean launch of a long-range missile yesterday, despite renewed warnings by the Kim Jong-il regime that it may test-fire further missiles.
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29/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Mexican Campaign Closes with Marginal Advantage for Leftist Contender
The arduous campaigning is over and it is left to Mexican voters to decide who will become the nation’s next president in a contest that could come down to a tie between two candidates: the ruling National Action Party (PAN)’s business-friendly Felipe Calderón and left-leaning former Mexico City Mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
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29/06/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Conflict Escalates as Israeli Troops Storm into Gaza
The Israeli army has moved into southern Gaza, following threats of a major military deployment designed to secure the release of a kidnapped soldier; the assault overshadows an announcement by the ruling Palestinian Hamas movement to implicitly recognise the Jewish state.
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29/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Mexican Campaign Closes with Marginal Advantage for Leftist Contender
The arduous campaigning is over and it is left to Mexican voters to decide who will become the nation’s next president in a contest that could come down to a tie between two candidates: the ruling National Action Party (PAN)’s business-friendly Felipe Calderón and left-leaning former Mexico City Mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
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29/06/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Conflict Escalates as Israeli Troops Storm into Gaza
The Israeli army has moved into southern Gaza, following threats of a major military deployment designed to secure the release of a kidnapped soldier; the assault overshadows an announcement by the ruling Palestinian Hamas movement to implicitly recognise the Jewish state.
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28/06/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Arcelor Accepts Mittal's ''Monopoly Money'' to Establish Global Steel Goliath
The board of directors of Luxembourg-based steel giant Arcelor has finally agreed to a merger with the world's largest steelmaker, Mittal, effectively ending the long-running saga which has pitted Arcelor's own minority shareholders against its own board, highlighting the economic nationalist backlash within a number of Europe's bluechip companies against foreign takeovers.
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26/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Gazprom Warns of Another Supply Crisis as New Ukrainian PM Vows to Review Russian Gas Deal
Russia’s state-controlled gas giant, Gazprom, has warned that the return of Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukraine's Prime Minister could trigger a repeat of the gas dispute between the two states over the New Year which led Gazprom to temporarily cut off supplies, sending shockwaves throughout Europe.
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26/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Gazprom Warns of Another Supply Crisis as New Ukrainian PM Vows to Review Russian Gas Deal
Russia’s state-controlled gas giant, Gazprom, has warned that the return of Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukraine's Prime Minister could trigger a repeat of the gas dispute between the two states over the New Year which led Gazprom to temporarily cut off supplies, sending shockwaves throughout Europe.
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21/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Ruling Labour Slips to 20-Year Poll Low in U.K., All Eyes on PM's Next Moves
Last month, after simultaneous government scandals, poor local election results and a controversial cabinet reshuffle, many were predicting Prime Minister Tony Blair's imminent departure; one month on, Blair is demonstrating his renowned political survival skills, but successive opinion polls are piling on the pressure.
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21/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Ruling Labour Slips to 20-Year Poll Low in U.K., All Eyes on PM's Next Moves
Last month, after simultaneous government scandals, poor local election results and a controversial cabinet reshuffle, many were predicting Prime Minister Tony Blair's imminent departure; one month on, Blair is demonstrating his renowned political survival skills, but successive opinion polls are piling on the pressure.
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20/06/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Growth in Russia Slows Markedly During Q1 2006
Russian GDP growth slowed to 5.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2006, down from 7.9% in the final quarter of last year, a modest improvement over the performance registered in the first quarter of 2005.
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20/06/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
GDP Growth in Russia Slows Markedly During Q1 2006
Russian GDP growth slowed to 5.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2006, down from 7.9% in the final quarter of last year, a modest improvement over the performance registered in the first quarter of 2005.
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04/06/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Major Powers Finalise New Incentives Package to Pull Iran Back from Nuclear Brink
The international community is moving from stick to carrot in an attempt to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear programme, with a package of incentives expected to be finalised later this week, including trade and economic concessions in exchange for the suspension of more controversial aspects of Iran's nuclear ambitions.
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09/05/2006 | Frente Externo
Italian Prime Minister-Elect Proposes Compromise Presidential Candidate
Incoming Prime Minister Romano Prodi has been forced to propose an octogenarian senator-for-life as the new president in an attempt to appease the main centre-left party without exacerbating the divisions between the incoming government and the centre-right opposition.
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03/05/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Chinese Economy Roars to Growth of 10.2% in Q1
The Chinese economy expanded at a scorching rate of 10.2% on the year during the first quarter of 2006, flouting government efforts to trammel growth.
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03/05/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Environmentalists Claim Victory as Russian President Orders New Route for Siberia-Pacific Oil Pipeline
In a policy reversal, Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday ordered a change in the planned route of the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline to minimise the risks to Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO world heritage site.
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03/05/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iranian Nuclear Crisis Escalates Following Critical IAEA Report
Iran has failed to comply with UN demands for an end to sensitive nuclear enrichment, the world body's atomic watchdog concluded on Friday (28 April); the verdict further exacerbates Iran's tensions with the international community, with the likelihood of some form of punitive action against the Islamic Republic also increasing.
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03/05/2006 | Frente Externo
Bolivian President Nationalises Hydrocarbons Sector
Bolivian President Evo Morales yesterday signed a decree nationalising the gas sector and ordered troops to seize control of 56 fields.
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18/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Germany: Misleading Stagnation in the Fourth Quarter
Flash data from the Federal Statistics Office (FSO) reveal that real GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2005 stagnated quarter-on-quarter (q/q), adjusted for seasonal and calendar factors.
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04/02/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Geopolitical Tensions Rattle Oil Markets
Oil prices have been increasingly volatile in recent weeks, as geopolitical concerns take center stage. Iran is likely to be a dominant and persistent theme throughout 2006, as the status of its nuclear program and corresponding oil production spur price volatility.
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04/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Latvia: Story of an Overheating Baltic Powerhouse
The Latvian economy is currently on the fast track, leading the European growth league, as the vigorous pace of expansion seen in second-quarter 2005—when GDP growth surged to 11.4% year-on-year (y/y)—was exactly maintained in the third quarter.
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29/01/2006 | En Parrilla
Portugal's EMU Experience: Lessons for Candidate Countries
With several of the new European Union (EU) member states having joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM-II) and heading towards eventual adoption of the euro, it is informative to consider the experiences that current Eurozone countries have had with the process of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
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23/09/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Hurricane Rita - At Risk: Oil and Gas Supplies and Economic Performance
As Hurricane Rita heads towards Houston, the potential impact on energy markets may far exceed the impact of all previous hurricanes. Coming on top of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, energy markets are heading for uncharted territory. Consumer prices and U.S. economic performance would be severely affected.
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Center for the Study of the Presidency
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